'We have a lot to show': Vancouver Rise make additions ahead of NSL playoff push

The Northern Super League club signed a pair of defenders this week, bolstering their ranks ahead of a crucial matchup with the visiting Halifax Tides on Saturday.

Chantelle Swaby comes to Vancouver after spending last season with Leicester City in the Women's Super League, while Kaela Hansen joins the Rise after playing for NSL side AFC Toronto.

Both athletes bring important attributes to a team that's pushing to put itself in the playoff picture, said head coach Anja Heiner-Moller.

"Chantelle comes in with a great physique and also a player that has the confidence to play. So, adding that to our game is really perfect," she said.

"Kaela is a player that wants to play. She fits really well into the style of play, very curious in terms of how we want to play. She's a brave player on the ball and she wants to come in and make an impact as a centre-back."

Swaby, 28, brings ample experience to the Rise, having played in the National Women's Soccer League, the Scottish Women's Premier League and France's top division.

Along the way, the Jamaican international has learned how to stay level-headed in heightened game situations.

"I think obviously with my experience and my years of playing, (I bring) just a level of calmness and a sense of just wanting to calm the game down," Swaby said. "And just being able to be vocal and that voice on the back line for the team."

"I definitely feel like I was hoping to eventually come home. I'm obviously excited it gets to be now," said the product of Burnaby, B.C. "I'm excited to play in front of a home crowd and it's also a plus that I'm close to my family again, too. So, I feel like it's a very special moment, for sure."

The moves came after Vancouver lost Mariah Lee to retirement last month. The veteran forward opted to step away from her professional career and attend law school in New York.

Vancouver also said goodbye to goalkeeper Kirstin Tynan this week, loaning her to the Tides for the rest of the season.

The moves come as the NSL-defending champion Rise (5-9-1) look to secure a post-season berth. The club sits five points behind Halifax (6-6-3), which held the fourth and final playoff spot heading into Saturday's matchup.

This stretch of the season is "super important," said Vancouver forward Jessica De Fillippo.

"I think we're all aware of that," she said. "We want to get back to the playoffs like we were last year. I think we have a lot to show, still, from this group of people. We want to show our fans and the league that we're able to compete until the end of the season."