Today’s match falls on a special day - Mother’s Day.
AFC Toronto proudly recognizes and celebrates the incredible mothers and mother figures who support, inspire, and empower athletes at every level. From the sidelines to those on the pitch to the stands, and in every moment in between, thank you for all that you do.
MATCHDAY STORYLINES
WON NOT DONE
In a historic night at York Lions Stadium, AFC Toronto secured their inaugural Northern Super League victory, edging out Calgary Wild FC 2-1 amid relentless rain last Thursday, May 1. Nigerian international Esther Okoronkwo delivered both goals for the home side, marking a significant milestone in the club's early journey.
A hard-fought late push from the Wild FC drew a foul, allowing Meikayla Moore to rise above the defense and head in a free kick delivered by Meggie Dougherty Howard, that slipped past the AFC Toronto goalkeeper, Sofia Manner. The late game push was not enough to equalize against Okoronkwo’s pair, and Toronto secured their first victory in club history.
After their historic match, head coach Marko Milanovic kept his focus on the long term success of the team: “Just like when we didn't overreact after our two losses, we're not gonna overreact after this win. It's gonna be business as usual.”
Three players made their first starts of the season and delivered strong performances: attacking midfielder Kaylee Hunter brought creativity and composure in possession, helping to link play through the middle of the park; defenders Croix Soto and Ashley Cathro were steady at the back, showing strong positional awareness and contributing to a more organized defensive effort. All three made a clear impact in their respective roles and continue to be players to watch.
To the change in the starting 11, Milanovic has faith in every roster spot: “I really believe in our roster. I think there's so much depth and anyone that steps on will be more than good enough to get the result.”
Despite the downpour, over 2,200 dedicated fans filled the stands, witnessing AFC Toronto's first victory. The atmosphere was continuously energetic, with supporters braving the elements to cheer on their team in this landmark fixture.
MATCHDAY PREVIEW
WEST COAST TO THE SIX
Three AFC Toronto players have strong ties to the Vancouver soccer landscape and the Whitecaps
Girls Elite REX program:
Captain Emma Regan, a composed and experienced presence, hails from Burnaby and was a standout in the Whitecaps system. She earned both the 2015 Whitecaps Most Promising Player and BC Soccer Youth Player of the Year honours, later serving as Whitecaps captain from 2016 to 2018.
Midfielder Kaylee Hunter, known for her vision and technical ability, joined AFC Toronto after a standout season with the Whitecaps Girls Elite program. In 2024, she was named the club’s Most Promising Female Player - a testament to her impact and potential in the midfield.
Defender Ashley Cathro, originally from Victoria, moved to Vancouver in high school to pursue full- time development with the Whitecaps. A steady and intelligent defender, she began her career with Prospect Lake SC and represented Team BC at both the 2015 Western Canada Summer Games and 2017 Canada Summer Games. Cathro’s rise was recognized when she was named BC Soccer Youth Player of the Year in 2016.
KEYS TO THE MATCH
AFC Toronto rides momentum after earning their first historic win, and they’ll look to build consistency on home turf. Watch for their growing chemistry in the final third and how they manage possession under pressure.
Vancouver Rise FC enters at 2-1, led by Canadian standout Quinn, who made history with the league’s first-ever goal. Now coming off a cross-coast battle, defender Jasmyne Spencer scored in the 53rd minute on Monday night to lift the Vancouver Rise to a 1-0 victory over the visiting Halifax Tides at Swangard Stadium.
Vancouver’s pace and midfield control are major strengths, so Toronto’s ability to disrupt rhythm and close space will be key - expect a competitive matchup as both clubs look to climb the early standings.
Toronto leads the league in total shots, showing a clear commitment to creating chances. At the other end, AFC goalkeeper Sofia Manner has been a standout, leading the NSL in saves. Her performance will be crucial against Vancouver’s attacking core, especially if the visitors control possession and create sustained pressure.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
Esther Okoronkwo, a standout from the 2023 World Cup and 2024 Olympics, showcased her prowess early on. The Nigerian international has been a relentless offensive weapon since the first kick of AFC’s opening match, and she’s just getting started.
In AFC’s historic first victory on Thursday, she capitalized on a defensive lapse in the 25th minute, slotting the ball past Calgary's goalkeeper, Stephanie Bukovec. Her second came shortly after halftime, in the 53rd minute, doubling Toronto's lead over the visiting Calgary Wild FC and igniting celebrations among the home crowd.
“You saw the finishing quality and that we know she had - she scored another goal the last game as well, that wasn't counted that was on site,” said head coach Marko Milanovic in the May 1 post-game press conference. “She gives us that presence back to goal when we're in trouble. And when we need to play direct, she's there to secure the ball for us, but she can also run in behind and take players on one vs. one.”
Okoronkwo started her professional career in France with AS Saint-Étienne, before moving to the Canary Islands and playing for UDG Tenerife in Spain’s Liga F.
Alongside her club career in Europe, Okoronkwo has impressed for the Nigerian Women’s
National Team following her debut in 2021. The left-footed forward scored her first international
goal to earn a crucial 1-0 away victory against Ivory Coast and help the Super Falcons qualify for the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Such influence on the international stage didn’t stop there, either.
At the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Okoronkwo helped reach the Round of 16. She notably
entered off the bench twice in the group stage, helping Nigeria hold Canada to a 0-0 draw and beat Australia 3-2. Additionally, she was selected to play at the 2024 Paris Olympics where Nigeria faced Brazil, Spain and Japan in the group stage.
From Richmond, Texas, to the global stage, Esther’s journey is a testament to talent and determination, and only continues to grow.