AFC Toronto claimed a 2-0 victory over the Montreal Roses in the first leg of the Northern Super League semifinal on Saturday. Nikayla Small scored in the seventh minute, followed by Kaylee Hunter in the 70th minute for Toronto. The second leg is scheduled for November 9 at York Lions Stadium.
Coach Marko Milanovic expressed confidence in his team’s ability to secure another win in the upcoming match. He emphasized the consistent preparation and dedication of the team throughout the season. Goalkeeper Sierra Cota-Yarde played a crucial role in maintaining a clean sheet at Stade Boréale in Laval, Que.
Reflecting on the match, Milanovic acknowledged the opportunities both teams had but commended Toronto’s efficiency in converting chances. He praised Cota-Yarde’s exceptional performance in goal and highlighted the collective effort of the team, especially considering the challenges posed by injuries.
The other semifinal between Ottawa Rapid FC and the Vancouver Rise will kick off at TD Place on Tuesday. The winners of the semifinals will compete in the championship match on November 15 at BMO Field in Toronto.
In the game, Small capitalized on a scoring opportunity with a right-foot shot past Roses goalkeeper Anna Karpenko, while Hunter outplayed a Montreal defender to secure Toronto’s second goal. Small expressed the importance of scoring early to settle the team’s nerves in adverse weather conditions.
Hunter, the league’s second-highest scorer in the inaugural season with 15 goals, was recognized as the rookie of the year and recently participated in a Canadian team camp in Europe. Toronto led the NSL standings with 16 wins in the first season under Milanovic’s guidance, entering the playoffs on a five-match winning streak. The Roses secured the final playoff spot with a 10-9-6 record.
Nov 01: Watch Montreal Roses FC and AFC Toronto go head-to-head in the Northern Super League playoff semifinals from Stade Boréale in Laval, Quebec.