MATCHDAY STORYLINES
LUCKY NUMBER SEVEN
AFC Toronto delivered a historic performance in their last outing, storming to a 7-0 win over Vancouver Rise FC – the largest margin of victory in Northern Super League history. The afternoon saw contributions from across the roster, as Toronto became the first club in league history to clinch a playoff berth. The result ended Vancouver’s eight-match unbeaten streak and cemented AFC’s hold on top spot in the table.
What made the victory so special was the variety of names on the scoresheet. Braces from Kaylee Hunter and Esther Okoronkwo highlighted the attack, while Kaela Hansen, Sarah Stratigakis, and Jade Kovacevic all netted their first NSL goals in front of the York Lions Stadium crowd. It marked the club’s first match of the season with multiple players scoring twice, underlining Toronto’s offensive depth and balance.
Beyond the firepower, the clean sheet was just as important. Goalkeeper Sierra Cota-Yarde and the backline recorded their third straight shutout, continuing a defensive run that has been key to Toronto’s success. With seven goals scored and none conceded, the victory was both a milestone moment for the club and a statement to the rest of the league heading into the final stretch of the season.
PLAYOFFS LOCKED
With last Saturday’s result, AFC Toronto became the first club in Northern Super League history to clinch a playoff berth – a milestone that underscores both the team’s consistency and the league’s rapid growth in its inaugural season. Securing their spot with four games still to play not only reflects Toronto’s dominance at the top of the table but also marks a historic first for Canadian women’s professional soccer. It’s a benchmark achievement for the club, its players, and its supporters, who have been part of every step of this groundbreaking journey.
“Clinching the first-ever playoff spot in the Northern Super League reflects the hard work and commitment from our players, staff, and supporters,” said Helena Ruken, AFC Toronto CEO. “Securing with such a strong team effort at home only makes it more special. This result shows the talent and resilience of our players, but also the energy of our supporters who have been with us since day one. We have set the standard together, and now we’re ready to carry this momentum into the playoffs, and beyond.”
GUESS WHO?
While AFC Toronto has secured their place in the postseason, their semifinal opponent is still to be determined in what has become a tightly contested race for playoff positioning. Montreal (35 points, 10-6-5) currently sits second, Ottawa (33 points, 9-6-6) holds third, and Vancouver (32 points, 9-6-5) remains in the hunt for a confirmed berth. Calgary, meanwhile, is not mathematically eliminated but faces long odds in the final stretch. With just five regular season games left, the margins remain razor-thin – meaning Toronto could face any of the three teams jockeying for spots as the 1v4 and 2v3 aggregate playoff format takes shape.
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
KEYS TO THE MATCH - BUSINESS AS USUAL
AFC Toronto heads into Sunday’s clash with Halifax looking to extend their unbeaten streak in the season series, having already secured four straight one-goal wins against the Tides. Head coach Marko Milanovic emphasized that despite Toronto’s perfect record against Halifax, the slim margins reflect the competitiveness of every meeting. “We beat Halifax 1-0 three times. Those games could have gone either way… so they have our full respect,” Milanovic noted, making it clear that standings or streaks mean little when the two sides meet.
Consistency and momentum will be crucial as Toronto builds on back-to-back clean sheets and their record-breaking win against Vancouver. The backline anchored by Croix Soto, Kaela Hansen, and Sarah Rollins has allowed very little in recent matches, while goalkeeper Sierra Cota-Yarde has been a steady presence, now boasting five shutouts this season. Maintaining that defensive edge will be key against a Halifax side that thrives on homegrown energy and gritty performances.
Offensively, Toronto has shown its depth with contributions from across the roster – from Kaylee Hunter’s Golden Boot chase to Sarah Stratigakis’ smooth integration into the midfield. Halifax has been a tough nut to crack, but AFC’s attacking variety and ability to find “ugly goals,” as assistant coach Sylvia Forbes has described, could prove decisive again. With Toronto already having clinched playoffs, the motivation now is about sharpening every detail and aiming to become the first club that AFC could sweep in their five-game season series.
AFC BY THE NUMBERS
TOP OF THE TABLE: AFC Toronto enters the weekend sitting first in the NSL standings with a strong 13-6-2 record and 41 points.
POSTSEASON CLINCHED: With last week’s victory, AFC Toronto became the first team in Northern Super League history to clinch a playoff berth.
ROAD WARRIORS: AFC holds the league’s best away record at 8-2-1, proving they can perform in any environment.
RELENTLESS OFFENSE: The club tops the NSL in Total Shots (211) and Shots on Goal Including Goals (105), highlighting their consistent attacking pressure.
TOP OF LEAGUE’S ATTACK: The club is tied for the league lead with Ottawa in goals scored (36), setting the standard for offensive production.
RISING STAR: At just 17 years old, Kaylee Hunter is the youngest player in the league and sits second in the Golden Boot race with 12 goals. She also ranks second in Total Shots (49) and Shots on Target (31).
PLAYMAKERS IN FORM: Nikki Small is tied for the league lead in assists (6).
IRON LEADER: Captain Emma Regan has played every single minute this season – 1,890 minutes, tied for top in the league.