MATCHDAY STORYLINES
ONE STEP CLOSER
AFC Toronto continued their dominant form with a 2-1 win over Calgary Wild FC in their last match, completing a perfect season sweep of their Western rivals and extending their unbeaten run to six matches. Already crowned Supporters’ Shield winners, Toronto showed no signs of complacency, delivering another composed and clinical performance on the road. Calgary native Kaylee Hunter opened the scoring in front of her hometown crowd, finishing a perfectly timed through ball from debutant Kaila Novak for her 14th goal of the season, keeping her firmly in the Golden Boot race. Later in the half, Cloey Uddenberg continued her impressive late-season form, pouncing on a pass from Nyota Katembo to double the lead with her second of the year.
Beyond the goals, the win also showcased Toronto’s remarkable depth and development culture. Four players made their first-ever NSL starts: Novak, Olivia Chisholm (16), April Lantaigne, and goalkeeper Danielle Krzyzaniak, who recorded four saves in a confident debut. Their seamless integration into the lineup highlighted the strength of AFC’s training environment and next-player-up mentality at a crucial stage of the season.
Marko Milanović on the team’s success with fresh faces in the lineup: “Our environment allows us to play everyone, because they are training phenomenally well. April, Olivia, Dani, and Kaila, all of them had an impact and did well. Very proud of that fact, and it just speaks to our depth and the work that all of us do to make our environment special.”
Now, in a poetic full-circle moment, the league leaders will close their regular season against the very team they opened it with: the Montréal Roses – a fitting finale between two of the NSL’s most competitive clubs.
#CHANGETHECOMPLIMENT
Today’s match will also showcase a groundbreaking initiative in partnership with Dove as part of the national #ChangeTheCompliment campaign – reimagining how we celebrate women and girls in sport. Instead of traditional nameplates, AFC Toronto players will take the field wearing empowering words that reflect their character, values, and journeys. From “Confident” to “Talented” to “Resilient,” these words highlight who they are beyond the game, challenging the habit of reducing female athletes to appearance-based compliments and instead spotlighting their strength, skill, and identity.
"I chose the word ‘confident’ because, growing up, I was always taught to stay humble – something my parents and coaches really instilled in me. Humility is important, but as women and girls, we’re sometimes hesitant to show confidence because we’re afraid it might be seen as arrogance," said Emma Regan, Captain of AFC Toronto. “The truth is, you can be confident no matter how you feel inside – it’s about how you show up in the world. I hope that when young girls see me wearing ‘confident’ on the back of my jersey, they feel empowered to own that confidence for themselves."
This first-of-its-kind activation in Canadian professional sports extends beyond the pitch. Fans will be invited to join the movement at York Lions Stadium by customizing AFC merchandise with their own empowering words, bringing the message into the stands and creating a powerful visual statement of unity and self-belief. Together with Dove, one of Canada’s leading advocates for self-esteem in women and girls, AFC Toronto is using its platform to inspire confidence, change the conversation, and build the next generation of strong, authentic role models.
SUPPORTERS’ SHIELD REVEALED
AFC Toronto will celebrate a landmark moment in Canadian soccer history, as the club is officially presented with the Northern Super League’s inaugural Supporters’ Shield. Awarded to the team with the best regular-season record, the Shield recognizes consistency, excellence, and dominance across a demanding 25-game schedule. In their very first NSL season, Toronto set the standard for the league – securing 48 points in 24 matches. Following the final whistle against the Montreal Roses, the Shield will be unveiled and presented to the players in a special on-field ceremony, giving fans the chance to witness a historic moment as AFC becomes the first team to etch its name onto the trophy.
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
KEYS TO THE MATCH - A FITTING FINALE
With the regular season coming to a close, Toronto’s mindset remains consistent with the identity that’s carried them to the top: focus, intensity, and momentum. The Supporters’ Shield may be secured, but this team has made it clear – they’re not easing off the gas. As head coach Marko Milanovic has emphasized all season, winning the league was the primary goal, but finishing strong sets the tone for playoffs. This matchup against Montréal, a rival that has pushed Toronto in every meeting, is the perfect final test before knockout football begins. Expect Toronto to approach this like a playoff game: sharp in possession, disciplined defensively, and hungry in the final third.
This season series has been razor-thin, with each team winning twice and every game decided by a single goal. Montréal’s structured midfield and ability to press can disrupt rhythm, while their pace in wide areas has caused Toronto problems in previous meetings. Toronto’s response? Control tempo and play through their midfield leaders (such as Emma Regan and Colby Barnett) to dictate the match. If Toronto can impose their style early, it neutralizes Montréal’s ability to counter and forces them to chase the game.
Defensively, this match hinges on discipline and transition recovery. Toronto’s back line has been one of the best in the league down the stretch. Keeping Montréal’s forwards off the ball and limiting second-chance efforts will be crucial, especially against a team that thrives on chaos in the box. On the flip side, Toronto’s attack remains one of the most dynamic in the NSL, with multiple scoring threats. And with Golden Boot contender Kaylee Hunter just four goals behind Ottawa’s DB Pridham, expect her to be relentless in front of goal.
Finally, this may be a preview of a potential playoff matchup. Montréal is fighting to secure a top-three seed, and they will treat this like a statement game. But Toronto has the opportunity to send a clear message: the Shield is ours, and we’re not done yet. If the league leaders bring their trademark balance – clinical finishing, defensive composure, and midfield control – they have every tool to close the season with a performance worthy of champions.
AFC BY THE NUMBERS
SHIELD SECURED: AFC Toronto earned the top honour of clinching the most regular season points, entering the match with a strong 15-6-3 record and 48 points.
POSTSEASON CLINCHED: 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 10-2-1, proving they can perform in any environment.
RELENTLESS OFFENSE: The club is only behind Vancouver Rise in Total Shots (239) and Shots on Goal Including Goals (118), highlighting their consistent attacking pressure.
TOP OF LEAGUE’S ATTACK: The club sits just one goal shy of Ottawa in goals scored with 40, 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 14 goals. She also ranks second in Shots on Target (36).
PLAYMAKERS IN FORM: Esther Okoronkwo and Nikki Small are tied for the league lead in assists (6).