Saturday, October 31 at 2:00 p.m. ET at York Lions Stadium | Live on CBC
AFC Toronto returns to York Lions Stadium to face Ottawa Rapid FC in the first leg of the Northern Super League semifinals. Toronto finished the regular season in third place just one point back of Ottawa, setting the stage for a highly competitive two-leg semifinal series.
Saturday marks the first meeting between AFC Toronto and Ottawa Rapid FC outside of regular-season play. Toronto faced Ottawa five times during the regular season, recording two wins, two draws and one loss.
The matchups have been closely contested, with the exception of the most recent meeting, when AFC Toronto secured a commanding 3–0 victory to clinch its playoff berth.
Toronto enters Saturday’s match following a hard-fought season finale game at BMO Field against Halifax Tides FC where it ended in a 1-1 draw.
Ottawa enters Saturday’s semifinal opener after falling 0-1 to the Shield-winning Montreal Roses in its final regular-season match
THE OPPONENT
Ottawa finished second in the regular-season standings, five points behind first-place Montreal and just one point ahead of third-place AFC Toronto.
WHAT TO WATCH
One Last Home Match in 2026
AFC Toronto returns to York Lions Stadium for its final home game of the season, looking to close out the year in front of its home supporters with a strong playoff performance.
Setting the Tone in the First Leg
With the semifinal played over two legs, Saturday’s matchup gives Toronto an opportunity to establish an advantage before travelling to Ottawa for the second leg on November 7.
The Battle of Ontario
Having faced Ottawa five times throughout the regular season, the two sides are familiar with one another. Now, with a place in the NSL Championship final at stake, the rivalry takes on even greater significance.
The Road to the Championship Final
The winner of the two-leg semifinal will advance to the NSL Championship on November 14. Every goal, defensive stop and moment across both matches could make the difference.
BROADCAST
Saturday, October 31, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. ET
York Lions Stadium | Toronto, ON
Live on CBC
Next Match: AFC Toronto travels to Ottawa for the second leg of the Northern Super League semifinals on Saturday, November 7, at 2:00 p.m. ET. Watch live on CBC!
See full game notes here.