Vancouver Rise add two defenders ahead of playoff push

The Vancouver Rise have signed defenders Chantelle Swaby and Kaela Hansen as the club tries to move into the Northern Super League playoff picture.

Swaby joins Vancouver after spending last season with Leicester City in the Women’s Super League. Hansen arrives from AFC Toronto, another NSL club. Head coach Anja Heiner-Moller said Swaby brings physicality and confidence on the ball, while Hansen is a brave, possession-oriented centre back who fits the team’s style.

Swaby, 28, has played in the National Women’s Soccer League, Scottish Women’s Premier League and France’s top division. The Jamaican international said she hopes to add calmness and a vocal presence to the back line.

For 26-year-old Hansen, who is from Burnaby, the move is also a return home. She said she is excited to play before local supporters and be closer to her family.

The additions follow forward Mariah Lee’s retirement last month to attend law school in New York. Vancouver also loaned goalkeeper Kirstin Tynan to the Halifax Tides for the rest of the season.

The defending NSL champions entered Saturday’s home matchup with Halifax at 5-9-1, five points behind the Tides, who held the fourth and final playoff spot at 6-6-3.