ANALYSIS – AFC Toronto gets a vital win at the Stade Boréale against the Montreal Roses FC. They found ways to score goals on the road, as they showed why they were the best team in the NSL’s regular season.
AFC Toronto Got a Big Road Win in Laval, Quebec
AFC Toronto Were Able to Create Scoring Possession Within the Montreal Roses FC’s Box
The biggest reason why AFC Toronto won this game was their ability to control possession near and close to the Montreal Roses FC’s box. Their ability to force Montreal’s defence to work was a big reason for their success, as well as their first goal scored by Nikayla Small.
- Esther Okoronkwo provided a flick, quick pass to Small, who converted on her goal-scoring opportunity.
- Lauren Rowe, from a tough angle, almost scored, as she beat the Montreal Roses FC goalkeeper Anna Karpenko.
READ MORE: Nikayla Small: A Standout AFC Toronto Midfielder
There were also some other chances, as Okoronkwo had a big chance but was unable to convert on it. However, what AFC fans might be most happy about is the performance of their 17-year-old striker, Hunter, who delivered for her team after coming back from injury.
Kaylee Hunter Delivers for AFC Toronto
The club’s leading goal-scorer in the NSL regular season, Hunter was injured prior to AFC’s final regular season game against the Roses back on October 19. She also had to leave the CANWNT/CANXNT early because of an injury.
However, that all changed in the NSL playoffs. Hunter came in the second half in place of Okoronkwo and made an immediate impact. Rowe passed her the ball, and Hunter did the rest with a fantastic individual play to double AFC Toronto’s lead in the game and in the two-leg aggregate.
Montreal Roses FC Did Not Take Advantage of AFC Toronto’s Mistakes
AFC Toronto’s backline looked a bit shaky throughout the game. However, the Montreal Roses FC could not take advantage of their scoring opportunities.
Some of these opportunities included:
- Montreal Roses FC looked dangerous with their free kicks, but did not take advantage of them.
- Chaerim had a glorious chance to score after taking the ball away from Colby Barnett, but she missed the net.
Noémi Paquin had a great chance and delivered a great shot, but Sierra Cota-Yarde made a fantastic save for AFC Toronto, as the Roses are now in a tough position heading into the road on November 15 at York Lions Stadium.
Other Factors: Sierra Cota-Yarde Played a Big Role
READ MORE: Kaylee Hunter: Promising Canadian Teenager for AFC Toronto
As mentioned before, Cota-Yarde made a big save for her team. Also, even though the defence did not play that well, the AFC still made some big defensive plays.
AFC Toronto head coach, Marko Milanović, mentioned this, as well as the medical team, for doing an excellent job, according to The Canadian Press:
Montreal had a few chances as well that they could have capitalized on. (Sierra Cota-Yarde) had a phenomenal game in goal, and the rest of our backline also did really well, considering it was their first game playing together this year,” Milanović said. “Another thing that I want to point out. We’ve had so many injuries. It’s a credit to our medical team that did so well throughout the week to get them ready. I would say that they’re just as responsible for this win as all of us.”
The Roses also looked sharp at points of the game, troubling the AFC’s defence. Another big story, though, is who appeared to flip the coin before tip-off. It was none other than NHL (National Hockey League) player Patrik Laine who was seen at the game. With a league as young as the NSL, to get attention from a player playing for the second-oldest professional sports team in Canada highlights the growth the league has undergone since starting in April.
Additionally, AFC Toronto also got the attention of the City of Toronto, as they had the colours of the club just before the game began on Sunday, according to the City of Toronto X Account.
Second Leg on November 15
READ MORE: Esther Okoronkwo: AFC Toronto’s Leading Goal Scorer
Both teams will play for a spot in the final on November 15 at York Lions Stadium. With a two-goal aggregate cushion, all AFC Toronto needs to do is to lose by no more than one goal to advance. A result for AFC Toronto would get them over the line.
That means, for the Montreal Roses FC, they will need to win the game by at least a two-goal margin to send the game to extra-time, which could go to penalties. However, if they win by a goal margin of three or more at York Lions Stadium, they will advance to the NSL Final. This is what Hunter said about playing the second leg in Toronto, according to the Northern Super League X Account:
“We are looking forward to going back home next weekend and playing in front of our own fans.”
It will be televised nationally on TSN/RDS at 2:00 pm ET for the high-stakes game.
Photo Provided By AFC Toronto on November 1, 2025.
