Club makes history as the first team in NSL history to win both the Supporters' Shield (2025) and the Diana B. Matheson Cup (2026).
TORONTO, ON (November 14, 2026) – AFC Toronto are champions.
AFC Toronto captured the 2026 Northern Super League (NSL) Championship on Saturday, defeating Montreal Roses FC 1-0 in the Championship Final at TD Place, Ottawa, ON, to lift the Diana B. Matheson Cup and bring the club's first NSL Championship trophy home to Toronto.
Toronto native Olivia Chisholm found the crucial marker on Saturday, scoring her first professional goal near the end of the first half to clinch the victory for Toronto. Lauren Rowe set up the goal, winning a key battle on the right flank and feeding the ball into the box where Chisholm put the finish. Goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo made three saves to secure the clean sheet––her second of the postseason.
The victory marks a historic achievement for the club, which becomes the first team in NSL history to win both of the league's major honours: the Supporters' Shield and the Diana B. Matheson Cup. Having claimed the Supporters' Shield in 2025 as the league's top regular-season team, AFC Toronto has now added the 2026 Championship title, becoming the first club to achieve both distinctions.
The championship also represents a moment of redemption for AFC Toronto, who returned to the Final for the second consecutive season after falling just short in the league's inaugural Championship Final in 2025. This time, the club finished the job, delivering a championship moment for its players, staff, supporters and the city of Toronto.
Head Coach Marko Milanovic reflected on the significance of the victory and the opportunity to celebrate alongside the players, families and supporters who made the trip to Ottawa.
"For me, honestly, the biggest thing is seeing everyone so happy. Players, their families, friends, everyone that made the trip from Toronto to watch us and support us. To me, that's the best thing out of all of this. Just kind of taking a step back and seeing how happy everyone is, that makes it all worth it," said Marko Milanovic, Head Coach of AFC Toronto.
For captain Nikki Small, the championship represents a historic achievement for a group that has continued to push for success since the club's inaugural season. "We love to make history on this team, so that's a plus. Last year celebrating the Shield, this is even better because it's the Finals, and next year I think we're looking to do both," said Nikki Small, captain of AFC Toronto.
"Winning a championship is a significant achievement and an incredibly proud moment for everyone at AFC Toronto," said Helena Ruken, CEO and Co-Founder of AFC Toronto. " We set out to build a club that competes at the highest level and makes a lasting impact on our city. I’m proud of what our players, coaches and staff have accomplished, and grateful for the vision and commitment of our ownership. Bringing the Diana B. Matheson Cup home to Toronto and celebrating with the supporters and community who have been behind us every step of the way."
With the Diana B. Matheson Cup coming home to Toronto, AFC Toronto adds another defining milestone to its history and reinforces its place at the forefront of the Northern Super League and the Toronto sports scene. The club's championship victory is a significant moment for its supporters, the city of Toronto and the continued growth of women's professional soccer in Canada.
About AFC Toronto
AFC Toronto is a founding club in the Northern Super League, Canada's professional women's soccer league. Rooted in community and driven to compete at the highest level, AFC Toronto exists to champion opportunities for girls and women to lead, grow and thrive, on and off the pitch. The club aspires to Run It Our Way by setting an ambitious new standard for success, but on its own terms, while striving to leave the game in a better place for the future.
Media Contact
Christina Miller
Director, Public Relations, Media & Communications
AFC Toronto
cmiller@afctoronto.ca