After several weeks of tight margins and constant movement in the NSL standings, Week 13 saw the league’s in-form teams separate themselves from the pack. Ottawa Rapid FC, Montréal Roses FC, and defending champions Vancouver Rise FC all collected another three points, strengthening their cases as genuine title contenders.

For Vancouver, the past weekend may have been the most significant. Their victory over AFC Toronto lifted the Rise from fifth into third place, a reminder that the reigning champions are finding their rhythm at exactly the right time. With confidence growing and key players hitting form, they’ll now have one eye on the teams above them.

Meanwhile, Ottawa continue to set the standard. The Rapid have now won four straight matches, while Montréal’s disciplined performances have stretched their unbeaten run with a third consecutive victory. Every point is becoming more valuable as the season moves into its decisive stretch. The race at the top is beginning to intensify.