MATCHDAY STORYLINES

🌹 NEXT UP
AFC Toronto returns home to York Lions Stadium tonight with momentum on their side, looking to secure a historic sixth straight win when they face the Montreal Roses. The club is fresh off a gritty 1-0 victory over Halifax, where Lauren Rowe’s debut goal sealed three points and extended the league’s longest win streak. This will be the team’s final home game before a challenging stretch on the road, adding even more weight to Friday’s matchup as they aim to stay atop the Northern Super League table.

The last meeting between these two sides was one of the most competitive fixtures of the season, with AFC edging out Montreal in a tight contest that tested their defensive resilience. Now, with confidence at an all-time high and contributions coming from across the roster, Toronto will look to replicate that success in front of their home fans. Expect an intense battle as both teams fight for positioning in the standings, with AFC aiming to continue their historic run before hitting the road.

⚽ ON THE ROWE TO GLORY
Forward Lauren Rowe made an unforgettable first impression in her AFC Toronto debut, scoring the game-winning goal in the 79th minute to secure the club’s fifth consecutive victory and cement their place at the top of the Northern Super League table. Coming off the bench, Rowe showcased her composure and finishing ability, latching onto a perfect through ball from Nikki Small before slotting it home.

Captain Emma Regan praised the impact of the 21-year-old, saying, “She’s an extremely hard worker and she’s just slotted into the team so perfectly... some fresh legs was big, so she played a huge role tonight.”

♀ DEPTH DEFINING DOMINANCE
AFC Toronto’s depth has been a driving force behind their record-breaking run, and it was evident once again in Halifax. Midfielder Nyota Katembo, who earned Player of the Match honors, controlled the tempo and provided a strong two-way performance in a tough midfield battle. Off the bench, Cloey Uddenberg brought energy and impact, continuing to prove why she’s such a valuable option late in games.

Head Coach Marko Milanovic praised the squad’s ability to step up when called upon: “I’ve mentioned so many times this year – I love our roster despite the injuries we’ve had. We truly believe that anyone who steps on the field can deliver, and they have been delivering,” he said.

MATCHDAY PREVIEW

KEYS TO THE MATCH - THE HOME ADVANTAGE

AFC Toronto enters Friday’s clash against the Montreal Roses looking to extend their historic run to six consecutive wins, a feat that would further cement their spot at the top of the table. The key for AFC will be maintaining the confidence and composure they’ve built over the past five matches. Coming off a hard-fought 1-0 victory in Halifax, the team has shown resilience and unity in high-pressure moments, and continuing that mentality will be crucial in front of their home crowd. Friday marks their final home game before a long road stretch, making this an important opportunity to capitalize on familiar surroundings and the energy of their supporters.

“We’ve been through a week like this before – that one was even tougher with the travel – so we know how to handle it. We'll use the home crowd as a source of energy as we always do, their support means so much to us,” said head coach Marko Milanovic. “The key is recovering well and preparing smart: more video, more meetings, less time on the field. Our players have gotten really good at learning that way.”

Equally important will be the ability to lean on their depth and collective identity. AFC has thrived this season not because of one standout performance, but because of contributions across the board – from veteran leadership to impact substitutes. With a demanding schedule and little recovery time, players off the bench have stepped up when needed, while consistent performers such as Kaylee Hunter and Nikki Small continue to lead the attack. If AFC can maintain that balance of intensity, adaptability, and togetherness, they’ll put themselves in a strong position to earn another statement win before hitting the road.