One Season. Countless Moments. One More Chapter to Write.
Before AFC Toronto takes the pitch for the Northern Super League semifinals, we're looking back at a 2026 regular season defined by resilience, record-breaking performances and a remarkable push toward the top of the table.
From a comeback win on opening day to closing a 16-plus point gap in the Supporters’ Shield race, this season has been a testament to the talent, determination and belief within this squad. There have been challenges, milestones and plenty of reasons to be proud. And with the playoffs ahead, the story is far from finished.
A Comeback Story from Day One
AFC Toronto opened its 2026 campaign on the road in April with a statement 3–2 comeback victory over Vancouver Rise FC, the team that defeated Toronto in last season’s championship. While Vancouver claimed the championship, AFC Toronto had made its own history in 2025, lifting the inaugural Northern Super League Supporters’ Shield after building an insurmountable lead at the top of the table.
The opening-day victory was an early statement of intent, setting the tone for a season that would see Toronto battle through adversity and fight its way back into contention at the top of the league.
At the halfway point, AFC Toronto sat third in the standings, far behind first place. Rather than let the gap define its season, the team steadily fought its way back into the race, closing the deficit to just six points by the end of the campaign.
As recently as last weekend, Toronto remained in contention to defend its Supporters’ Shield title, a remarkable turnaround that reflected the team's determination, consistency and refusal to back down.
Built on Belief: A Squad That Steps Up
Every season brings challenges, but AFC Toronto faced its share in 2026. Injuries tested the squad's depth, while international call-ups for competitions including the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup meant key players were unavailable at different points throughout the campaign.
But this team never made excuses. It found solutions.
A next-player-up mentality became essential, with players stepping into new roles, embracing greater responsibility and finding ways to contribute when their opportunities came. Under Marko Milanović and the coaching staff, the belief has always been that every player in the 26-player squad has the potential to make an impact.
It is a philosophy that has helped AFC Toronto navigate an unpredictable season while continuing to compete at the highest level. The contributions of the entire squad have mattered, whether on matchday or behind the scenes, as players pushed one another and prepared for every challenge.
The team's resilience has been one of its defining characteristics, and it will remain crucial as the stakes rise in the postseason.
Standout Performances Across the Squad
AFC Toronto's 2026 campaign has featured standout performances across the pitch, with players making their mark in both attacking and defensive categories.
Delivering in front of goal
Kaylee Hunter has been among the league's most prolific attackers, finishing tied for second in the Golden Boot race with 10 goals. She also led the league in shots on target with 40, consistently creating danger in the final third. Lauren Rowe enjoyed a breakout campaign, increasing her goal tally from two last season to eight in 2026, finishing fifth in the Golden Boot race.
Setting the defensive standard
AFC Toronto's defensive strength has been one of the defining storylines of the season, with the club finishing tied for the league's best defensive record. Sarah Rollins played every minute of the campaign, providing consistency at the back, while Canadian National Team pleayers Shelina Zadorsky and Sabrina D’Angelo brought experience and quality to the defensive unit. Captain Nikayla Small also led the league with 124 tackles, well ahead of the next-closest player at 92.
These individual performances helped shape a season full of defining moments, both on and off the pitch. From historic milestones at home to a dramatic cup victory, AFC Toronto continued to give its supporters reasons to believe and built momentum toward the opportunity that now awaits in the playoffs.
A Historic Cup Run
The regular season was only part of the story. AFC Toronto also made its mark in the inaugural W Canadian Championship, overcoming Vancouver Rise FC in a dramatic quarterfinal.
After the sides finished level at 1–1 in regular time, Kaylee Hunter found the decisive goal in extra time to secure a 2–1 victory and send AFC Toronto through to the semifinals. Lena Silano had scored Toronto's goal in regular time, capping a hard-fought performance that showcased the team's ability to deliver when the stakes were highest.
The victory secured the club's place in the competition's semifinals, scheduled for early spring 2027, giving the team another opportunity to make history in the new year.
One More Chapter to Write
The regular season has delivered statement wins, individual breakthroughs, historic milestones and a remarkable fight back up the standings. It has also tested this team's depth, resilience and belief in one another.
Now, the focus shifts to the playoffs.
AFC Toronto has earned its place in the Northern Super League semifinals, and the opportunity ahead is another chance to show what this group can accomplish together. The work put in throughout the season has brought the team here. The next chapter will be defined by what comes next.
To everyone who has supported AFC Toronto throughout the 2026 regular season, thank you for being part of the journey. We have more to play for, more history to make and another chapter to write together.
NEXT MATCH: NORTHERN SUPER LEAGUE SEMIFINALS
Saturday, October 31, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. ET
York Lions Stadium | Toronto, ON
Live on CBC
UP NEXT: 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!