AFC Toronto secured a 2-0 victory over the Montreal Roses in the Northern Super League semifinal first leg. Nikayla Small scored in the seventh minute, followed by Kaylee Hunter in the 70th minute. The second leg will be held on Nov. 9 at York Lions Stadium in Toronto.
Coach Marko Milanovic expressed confidence in continuing their winning streak in the upcoming game. Goalkeeper Sierra Cota-Yarde played a crucial role in maintaining a clean sheet for Toronto at Stade Boréale in Laval, Que. Milanovic praised the team’s performance and resilience, highlighting the efforts of the medical staff in preparing injured players.
Meanwhile, Ottawa Rapid FC and the Vancouver Rise are set to kick off the other semifinal at TD Place. The winners of both semifinals will advance to the championship match on Nov. 15 at BMO Field in Toronto.
Small’s early goal and Hunter’s well-executed shot were key moments in the match, with both players showcasing their skills. Small emphasized the importance of scoring early to settle the team’s nerves in challenging weather conditions. Hunter, a standout player at 17, ranked second in scoring during the NSL’s inaugural season and was named Rookie of the Year.
Toronto finished at the top of the NSL standings with 16 wins in the league’s first season, while the Roses secured the final playoff spot with a 10-9-6 record. The team’s success was attributed to their strong performance under Milanovic’s guidance and a five-match winning streak heading into the playoffs.
