ANALYSIS – AFC Toronto draws at BMO Field with the Halifax Tides FC. This wasn’t an ideal result for either side, as only a win would have been a positive outcome. AFC Toronto failed to finish second in the NSL, which would have given them home-field advantage in the deciding second leg.
AFC Toronto Got A 1-1 Draw against the Halifax Tides FC
Both AFC Toronto and the Halifax Tides FC Had Chances To Score But Didn’t Convert
AFC Toronto and the Halifax Tides FC both had chances to win the game. However, neither team was able to get that final goal. Some of these chances include:
- Lauren Rowe’s shot missed the target.
- Kaylee Hunter’s shot hit the post.
As for the Halifax Tides FC, they also had chances. The chance that will be agonizing for them to accept was the one they had at the end of the game. Tiffany Cameron’s shot was deflected to Naya Cardoza, but she couldn’t convert. If Cardoza had scored, Halifax would have won, as it happened in the last few minutes.
Nikayla Small and Kaylee Hunter Had Excellent Games
Both players have been on the team for almost two seasons (playoffs yet to be played) at AFC Toronto. Kaylee Hunter created scoring chances for players like Lauren Rowe and Lena Silano. Small’s passing was also quite excellent and her anticipation is off-the-charts for AFC Toronto.
When this writer asked AFC Toronto head coach Marko Milanović about it, this is what he said:
“I think they have a very good understanding now of each other’s game. Those partnerships develop when you play together for a long time. They’ve been, they’ve been on the pitch together pretty much every minute over the, over the first couple of seasons, so naturally you should be developing some of those relationships,” Markovic said. “It was a really nice goal.”
Milanović also talked about Small’s passing, which has improved greatly since she joined AFC Toronto last year. He was also impressed by Hunter’s movement, which led to Hunter’s goal.
Sabrina D’Angelo Had a Great Game
Sabrina D’Angelo played really well for AFC Toronto. She made some big saves throughout the game. This is what AFC Toronto defender Colby Barnett said about her performance since coming to AFC Toronto:
“Yeah, I mean, Sabs is incredible, like, as you could see from all the saves she’s made in her short time being here. Um, I think also something that goes unnoticed probably from just like a fan’s perspective or maybe you can’t hear it, is her communication,” D’Angelo said. “Her communication on the field is also incredible. Like, her leadership and, like, that side of the game for her as well is huge for us. So, she’s a fantastic player, and she’ll be amazing for us in the playoffs, I’m sure.”
A few examples of this include AFC Toronto goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo making some key saves at the Stade Boréale in a 2-0 win over the Montreal Roses FC, and also keeping a clean sheet in a 3-0 win over the Ottawa Rapid FC.
Expect her to play a big role in AFC Toronto’s upcoming playoff games.
Other Factors: Stephen Hart’s Last Game as Halifax Tides FC Head Coach
Since the Halifax Tides FC did not make the NSL playoffs, this game ended up being Stephen Hart’s last game with Halifax. This is what Marko Milanovic said about this when asked about it:
“He’s been one of my favourite people, I would say that, that, that I’ve coached against. Absolute legend, obviously, in a game. I mean, someone with so much experience. Having coached the national team for so many years, both here and in Trinidad, has so much experience. I’ve often asked him certain things about that that I just haven’t experienced as a coach that he has. And he’s always been very gracious with his time.”
This shows Hart’s character: he’s a former CANMNT head coach and the only head coach of a CPL and an NSL team. He also coached the HFX (Halifax) Wanderers FC from 2019-22.
One player one needs to note is Addison “Addy” Weichers. She made some great defensive plays throughout the game. In fact, one of her plays prevented Lena Silano from scoring a goal. That goal might have given AFC Toronto second place in the NSL standings. This is what Hart said about her when asked about her:
“She has been a player who was on the bench last year. She got her playing time, and basically, because of how she trained and played, she told me, “You cannot ignore me.” You know? And she– her growth has been tremendous. Tremendous. I have nothing but love for Addie.”
She will likely have a key role in Halifax’s team next year. They will be looking to make the NSL playoffs, with the number of teams increasing from six to seven thanks to Winnipeg’s inclusion. Also, Saorla Miller scored a fantastic highlight-reel goal that will be seen over and over again.
READ MORE: Zoe Burns: The AFC Toronto Defender with Canadian Heritage
Games Coming Up for AFC Toronto
For AFC Toronto, the season is not over. Their first leg in the 2026 NSL playoffs will take place at York Lions Stadium on October 31. Then, on November 7, AFC Toronto will travel to face the Ottawa Rapid FC at TD Place Stadium for leg two of the NSL semi-final playoffs.
READ MORE: Lauren Rowe: AFC Toronto’s 2026 Leading Goalscorer
Both games will take place at 2:00 pm ET and both games will be televised nationally on CBC.
Photo Credit: Sean Pollock for AFC Toronto on October 26, 2026.
