The winless Calgary Wild FC lost their fifth straight match Wednesday night in a 2-1 home loss to the Ottawa Rapid FC.

The Rapid, who started the match with possession, took early momentum when Keera Melenhorst broke the ice in the 36th minute, putting her team up 1-0.

Calgary didn’t take long to even the score after halftime, thanks to a 50th minute Kahli Johnson goal, set up by Mya Jones.

The Wild built momentum off their equalizer, but despite multiple chances in the box, the Wild could not find a go-ahead goal. Instead, the Rapid’s Johanne Fridlun potted the tie-breaker, and eventual game winner, in the 71st minute.

Post-game, Johnson said that as a team, the Wild’s main goal in recent weeks has been to take pride in everything they do.

“At this point we’re really just trying to be proud of our performances and implement what we’re learning from (Head Coach) Leah (Blayney),” she said.

“Obviously this was not the result that we want and we do want to get those results. But we can be proud of how we conducted ourselves out there and we’re able to be resilient and not get down on ourselves when we go down.” 

All across the roster, Wild players want to work, according to Johnson. Since her hiring earlier this month, Blayney has been pushing the right buttons in the locker room.

“(Leah’s hiring) has meant a lot. In this group, we want to play hard and we want to play good football and to have someone of that color to come in and direct us and be able to give us good ideas to follow, it’s meant a lot,” she said.

“The girls are really excited about it.”

As a competitor, Blayney said that she wants to come away with a win in every game. As a realist, she looks deeper into small but noticeable improvements each night.

“Spme of the momentum and some of our possession in the second half, in particular, was really pleasing to see,” she said.

“You’re always disappointed not to win. However, the bigger picture of this is we’re just getting that bit better each game.”

Wild fans, new additons playing their part

Johnson said that having energetic fans continue attending games despite this season’s results so far has meant a great deal to the team.

“They’ve been amazing since day one. I’ve never played at a club with such great fans and to be able to hear them still, every single home game, it’s just the best,” she said.

“I’s so cool to hear them cheer when we’re attacking and defending.”

Hannah Boughton, who recently signed with Calgary, started in her team debut Wednesday night. 

Despite having only one training session with the Wild before playing, Boughton held her own, according to Blayney.

“She’s an exciting prospect, that’s why she’s here. We’re super proud of her efforts tonight and super proud of the girls’ communication to her on the pitch,” the coach said.

“Even in training yesterday, they’re making her feel welcome. They’re communicating what’s needed from her.”

For the time being, the Wild’s roster will continue to be fluid. Blayney said that with any new addition to the organization, including herself, the expectation is long term impact.

“This isn’t a sprint for us. I’m in for the long haul and so is the playing group,” she said.

“We have to be really measured when we make sightings, with who we need at different transfer windows, but there definitely will be additions made.”