MATCHDAY STORYLINES

JUST THE BEGINNING

AFC Toronto took the pitch for the first time in team history last Saturday, April 19 and they offered all 14,518 fans the chance to “Witness the Beginning”. Ultimately falling short of a victory to the visiting Montreal Roses FC, 24-year-old Tonya Boychuk opened the scoring early at the two minute mark, which remained the only tally in a tight defensive matchup.

Despite a start filled with nerves and a few misplays, the team regained composure in the second half with a dominating offensive performance. Toronto outshot Montreal 15-4 (6-2 in shots on target) and had 59 per cent possession. Late match chances had the crowd invested with the excitement palpable as receptive fans took in their effort to the very last whistle.

THE REIGN OF REGAN

Captain Emma Regan made her presence known on the pitch, contributing to much of AFC’s tempo and charge against the Roses. Continuing to be an offensive threat, Regan orchestrated a lot of the second half attack. Including hitting the crossbar with a shot from just outside the penalty box in the 48th minute. Regan currently leads the league in shots on target with two attempts as well as shots taken with three.

FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH

Named the league’s Rookie of the Week, 17-year-old Kaylee Hunter made a big impact off the bench in Week 1. NSL’s youngest player made a big impact entering last week’s match in the 61st minute and added an extra spark the team needed, becoming a key factor in their dominance in the second half. Hunter plays very calm and collected while constantly involved in a lot of action. The electric forward is quoted as a “potential nightmare for defenders” and had an excellent showing in her professional debut.

MATCHDAY PREVIEW

With Game 1 at their backs, and their potential ahead of them, AFC Toronto heads into the nation’s capital with a new sense of composure for their matchup against Ottawa Rapid FC. The team has taken their week to shake off the opening match jitters, reflecting, and taking accountability for the standard of play AFC looks to bring to the pitch. Walking away with a loss brought forth an opportunity to reset momentum, focusing on patience and responding to adjustments.

Coach Marko Milanovic noted that the team’s playbook is to create through possession and play very aggressive defensively - slivers of performance that was seen in the opening match against the Roses, but lacking the opportunity to convert an equalizer. AFC Toronto brings a quick style of play, which Regan noted their identity is built on a “fun attacking flair”.

KEYS TO THE GAME

Ottawa Rapid FC will take the pitch for the first time hosting its inaugural home game on Sunday, April 27 against AFC Toronto at the Stadium at TD Place in Lansdowne Park. The playbook remains stalwart for AFC, as they continue to bring a quick, offensive attack and aggressive defensive style to the nation’s capital, who boasts a strong defensive roster.

AFC’s offense has a big challenge in Desiree Scott, veteran defensive midfielder and one of the most decorated Canadian national players. Known as "The Destroyer" for her ability to break up opposing attacks, she’s one of only three to win medals at three consecutive Olympic Games and has logged over 10,000 career minutes in the NWSL over 10 seasons. The Winnipeg native will face some familiar faces on the visiting side of the pitch, including Kansas City Current crossovers Victoria Pickett and Croix Soto.