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Calgary Herald

Pipe dream 'is finally here' in city, as Calgary Wild FC makes debut Sunday

If you ask the local players, they'll confirm Sunday's debut of women's professional soccer in Calgary is as surreal as it gets. Article content Wild stuff, if you will. Article content But … yes … after decades of believing it was nothing more than a pipe-dream, the kick-start of female pro footie in this city has finally arrived, with Calgary Wild FC taking to the new turf of McMahon Stadium for its first home game — ever — in the Northern Super League (5 p.m., TSN2). Article content Article content 'The day's finally here, and I couldn't be happier,' said excited star Grace Stordy, one of a handful of area stars — joining attacker Taegan Stewart, midfielders Christie Gray, Keelyn Stewart and Caleigh Boeckx, fellow defender Talia White and goalkeeper Sarah Keilty-Dilling — on Wild FC. Article content 'I mean … you heard rumours about this league like almost seven years ago now, and you were excited then, and then it took forever,' continued Stordy. 'So I personally lost a little bit of hope. But as soon as it was announced, you know it's coming and the day is finally here. So I couldn't be happier.' Article content And that's likely to be forefront come Game 1 on Mother's Day — an apt date for the Wild debut, to be sure — against visiting Ottawa Rapid FC. Article content Article content 'I hope so,' said 23-year-old Stordy, expecting a loud proud crowd come Sunday. 'You'll hear my mom, Pam, scream … she's loud. Article content 'I think we have some fiery fans, and I'm excited to see the turnout for this Sunday,' added Stordy. 'It's knowing, win or lose, you have a support system that is all for you. It's really special. And it's a good feeling, because you know, the lows are lows, but that just makes the highs even higher. Article content Article content 'Feeling just very grateful to have the city behind us.' Article content Stordy & Co. are led by captain and talented midfielder Meggie Dougherty Howard, while English coach Lydia Bedford, 37, is the Wild manager. Article content And their shared believe is the fans will embrace the on-field style of the Calgary crew of 23 women, boosted by its efforts in the first three games despite a couple of unwelcome results. Article content 'I think we're really brave in the way we want to play,' said Dougherty Howard, 29. 'I think you've seen glimpses of it so far, and I think it's only going to get better as we have more time together and continue to grow into the season. But the style of football we want to play is very possession-oriented, and you have to be brave to play that way. Article content 'We're going to show you an exciting brand of soccer,' the captain continued. 'We hope to have the ball a lot, and I think as a fan, you always like when your team has the ball and we can control the game. Article content 'There's risk that comes with it, but it's so rewarding when it does come together and you can see and enjoy, as a spectator, really beautiful soccer. And I think we've been able to show that and are working hard to be able to show that through longer stretches in the game.'