AFC Toronto secured a victory against Montreal Roses with a 2-1 score in the last match of the Northern Super League’s debut regular season, setting the stage for their playoff campaign. The game saw Montreal’s Alexandria Hess break the deadlock in the 10th minute by capitalizing on Toronto ‘keeper Sierra Cota-Yarde’s high defensive position.
Toronto equalized in the 42nd minute when Lauren Rowe delivered a precise cross into the six-yard box, allowing Sarah Stratigakis to score and level the game at 1-1. The winning goal came from Nikayla Small in the 86th minute at York Lions Stadium, sealing the victory for AFC Toronto.
The two teams are set to face off once more in the upcoming NSL playoffs commencing on November 1. AFC Toronto, boasting a record of 16-6-3, clinched the top spot in the league standings, earning the prestigious Supporters’ Shield, while Montreal, with a record of 10-9-6, finished in fourth place.