Benati scores in stoppage time as Tides edge Rise 1-0 in NSL battle

BURNABY — With only two points separating them for the fourth and final playoff spot, the Halifax Tides and Vancouver Rise made defence a top priority for Saturday’s matchup at Swangard Stadium.

But Julia Benati pounced on a rare opportunity five minutes into second-half stoppage time and scored to lift the visiting Tides to a 1-0 Northern Soccer League victory over the Rise.

With the win, the Tides take over the fourth and final playoff spot with 24 points — seven wins, nine losses and three draws. The Rise are one point back with a record of seven wins, 10 losses and two draws.

Both teams had seven shots on goal but the Tides had a 2-1 advantage in on-target shots.