Rapid extend NSL unbeaten streak to 8 matches, edging Wild FC

Ottawa Rapid FC extended its unbeaten run in the Northern Super League to eight straight games with a 2-1 win over host Calgary Wild FC on Wednesday.

Second-half substitute Johanne Fridlund scored the winner in the 72nd minute for Ottawa (10-2-1), which won a fourth straight match in the women's pro soccer league and moved seven points clear of the Montreal Roses atop the standings.

"We played a good first half, we created chances, we could go around them," said Ottawa head coach Katrine Pederson. "Second half, we let them into the game. We made it harder than it had to be.

"We lost the rhythm on the ball and when we gave them more initiative, they looked better. We managed anyway to create chances, which we are very happy about."

Fridlund, from the side of the penalty area, fired the ball past Wild defenders and Calgary keeper Katelin Talbert.

Keera Melenhorst gave the visitors a 1-0 lead in the 36th minute at McMahon Stadium.

She punished a Wild defensive giveaway and carried the ball back to score her fourth goal against Calgary this season.

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"I'm just happy to capitalize on my chances when the opportunities present themselves," Melenhorst said. "I'm scoring off our press and capitalizing on their mistakes.

"As a front-five collective, we were able to force those mistakes. Happy to capitalize on that and put us up moving into the half."

Wild still winless after Fridlund's goal delivers victory for Rapid

Kahli Johnson tied the game with a header in the 50th minute for Calgary (0-10-2), still seeking its first win this season.

"I'm a competitor so I always want to come away with a win," said Wild head coach Leah Blayney, who joined the club last