AFC Toronto secured a 2-0 win over the Montreal Roses in the first leg of the Northern Super League semifinal on Saturday. The goals came from Nikayla Small in the seventh minute and Kaylee Hunter in the 70th minute. Toronto will face Montreal again in the second leg on November 9 at York Lions Stadium.
Toronto coach Marko Milanovic expressed confidence in their upcoming game, stating that their preparation has been consistent since the pre-season. Goalkeeper Sierra Cota-Yarde played a crucial role in maintaining a clean sheet for Toronto at Stade Boréale in Laval, Que.
Milanovic acknowledged the efforts of both teams, emphasizing Toronto’s ability to capitalize on their chances. He praised Cota-Yarde’s outstanding performance in goal and commended the team’s defensive line for their cohesion despite playing together for the first time this season.
Additionally, Milanovic credited the medical team for managing player injuries effectively, attributing their contribution to the victory. In the other semifinal, Ottawa Rapid FC will face the Vancouver Rise 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 were crucial in the victory, with Small highlighting the importance of scoring early in challenging weather conditions.
Hunter, who ranked second in scoring during the NSL’s inaugural season, was named Rookie of the Year and recently participated in a Canadian team camp in Europe. Toronto finished at the top of the NSL standings with 16 wins and entered the playoffs on a five-match winning streak, while the Roses secured the final playoff spot with a 10-9-6 record.
