AFC Toronto emerged victorious in the first match of the Northern Super League semifinal by defeating the Montreal Roses 2-0 over the weekend. Nikayla Small scored in the seventh minute, followed by Kaylee Hunter’s goal in the 70th minute for Toronto. The next leg of the semifinal will take place on November 9 at York Lions Stadium.
Toronto’s coach, Marko Milanovic, expressed confidence in their upcoming match, emphasizing the consistent preparation and approach the team has maintained throughout the season. Goalkeeper Sierra Cota-Yarde played a crucial role in securing a clean sheet for Toronto at Stade Boréale in Laval, Quebec.
Milanovic acknowledged both teams’ opportunities during the game and commended Toronto’s ability to capitalize on their chances. He highlighted the strong defensive performance, especially considering the lineup had not played together earlier in the season due to injuries. The coach credited the medical team for their efforts in preparing the players for the match.
In the other semifinal, Ottawa Rapid FC and the Vancouver Rise will kick off the competition on Tuesday at TD Place. The winners of the semifinals will advance to the championship match on November 15 at BMO Field in Toronto, where the NSL’s first champion will be crowned.
Small’s early goal and Hunter’s subsequent score were pivotal moments in the match, with both players showcasing their skills against Montreal. Small emphasized the importance of scoring early to settle the team’s nerves in challenging weather conditions. Hunter, who finished second in the NSL’s scoring charts, was named rookie of the year and recently participated in a Canadian team camp in Europe.
Toronto dominated the NSL standings in its inaugural season, securing 16 wins and entering the playoffs on a five-match winning streak under Milanovic’s guidance. The Roses secured the final playoff spot with a 10-9-6 record.
The match replay and highlights are available for fans to watch for a detailed review of the intense semifinal clash between Montreal and Toronto.
