AFC Toronto secured a 2-0 victory over the Montreal Roses in the first leg of the Northern Super League semifinal. Nikayla Small and Kaylee Hunter scored for Toronto in the 7th and 70th minutes, respectively. The second leg will be held on November 9 at York Lions Stadium.
Toronto coach Marko Milanovic expressed confidence in his team’s ability to win the upcoming game, emphasizing consistent preparation since the preseason. Goalkeeper Sierra Cota-Yarde maintained a clean sheet at Stade Boréale in Laval, Que.
Milanovic credited the team’s efficiency in converting chances, highlighting the solid defensive performance and the medical team’s role in managing player injuries. Ottawa Rapid FC and the Vancouver Rise will kick off the other semifinal at TD Place on Tuesday.
The winners of the semifinals will advance to the championship match on November 15 at Toronto’s BMO Field. Small and Hunter’s goals showcased Toronto’s early dominance, with Small emphasizing the importance of getting an early lead in challenging conditions.
Hunter, a standout performer at 17, ranked second in scoring during the NSL’s inaugural season and was named Rookie of the Year. Toronto’s top standing in the league with 16 wins and a five-game winning streak heading into the playoffs reflected their strong performance under Milanovic. The Roses secured the final playoff spot with a 10-9-6 record.
The match replay is available for viewers, capturing the intense semifinal clash between Montreal and Toronto.