ANALYSIS – AFC Toronto’s left midfielder and left back, April Lantaigne, scored her first-ever goal in the Northern Super League (NSL). She was in the right place at the right time when Kaylee Hunter delivered the pass early in the game.
Other players also stepped up.
This included Sabrina D’Angelo, Lena Silano, and Kaylee Hunter, who all played a big role in AFC Toronto’s win on Saturday.
AFC Toronto’s April Lantaigne Makes Personal NSL History at York Lions Stadium
AFC Toronto’s Relentless Pressure Won Them The Game
AFC Toronto found ways to constantly intercept the ball, especially in the first half. Their ability to steal the ball on Ottawa’s side of the field was quite notable. They were also able to get behind Ottawa’s backline quite often. Some examples include:
- Lena Silano had a breakaway, but she could not convert on her scoring chance.
- Lauren Rowe made a fantastic pass to Kaylee Hunter; Hunter saw Lena Silano, but the pass did not connect.
One can also see some of the goals scored by AFC Toronto. An example would be the goal Kaylee Hunter scored, which was assisted by Sabrina D’Angelo.
Sabrina D’Angelo, Lena Silano, and Kaylee Hunter Had Excellent Games
READ MORE: DB Pridham Made Personal CANWNT History at BMO Field
All three players had stellar games. Sabrina D’Angelo made a big save on Delaney Baie Pridham (DB Pridham) via penalty kick and also assisted in one of Kaylee Hunter’s goals. The save on Pridham might be a gamechanger in this tie if AFC Toronto ends up winning this two-legged tie.
Kaylee Hunter looked like a player that would not be denied, as she had two goals and one assist and looked dangerous throughout the game. This is while Lena Silano had an excellent game herself, as she and Hunter had a great partnership. This is what AFC Toronto head coach Marko Milanović said about it:
“I thought they were excellent today. I thought that their movement was so well timed, coordinated. I thought they, they showed up exactly when, when we needed them and, and started their movements. You know, in terms of timing, I thought it was excellent today.”
READ MORE: Kaylee Hunter: Promising Canadian Teenager for AFC Toronto
Silano came in July and has really made a name for herself with the team. She played very well, was named player of the month in September, and had another excellent month in October. Hunter led the team in goals scored during the 2026 NSL season, and she also helped make NSL history for April Lantaigne.
April Lantaigne Scored Her First Goal for AFC Toronto
April Lantaigne, the AFC Toronto midfielder, stepped up when it mattered the most. The 20-year-old from Ajax, Ontario, first came to the club last year as a teenager. Now, she has scored her first-ever goal for the team. This is what Marko Milanović, the AFC Toronto head coach, said about the performance of Lantaigne:
“I’m really happy for her. There was a stretch of the season where she didn’t play at all, but she continued to work hard. She’s one of the most liked people in the club.” Milanović said. “This is now her reward. You know, she’s been great since she came in the lineup, and we’re all so happy to see this goal.
Lantaigne timed her run perfectly, arriving at the right place at the right time when Hunter beat a few defenders and saw her. The goal is harder than it looks, as Lantaigne had to anticipate and get herself in the right area to score the opening goal of the game.
Other Factors: Ottawa Rapid FC Substitutions Worked Out
The Ottawa Rapid FC’s substitutions worked out against AFC Toronto. After the first half, Ottawa needed to change their tactics if they wanted to compete with AFC Toronto. Florence Belzile was a key player for that change to happen, such as:
- Setting up the goal scored by Choo Hyo-joo. Belzile passed the ball to Lee Min-a, who found Hyo-joo for the goal.
- She drew a foul in the 62nd minute and forced Lantaigne to get a yellow card.
This is what Ottawa Rapid FC head coach, Katrine Pedersen, said about the slow start of Ottawa:
“First half, they bullied us in the duels. And that is one thing that cannot happen. We have to be over it, just like we were in the last part of the game, where the second ball went to us, and then we can play it forward and put them under pressure. That’s the way to go.”
They will look to turn the momentum around as both teams face each other next week.
As for the other games happening, on Monday, the Montreal Roses FC defeated the Vancouver Rise FC 3-0 at Swangard Stadium, as Montreal carries a massive three-goal advantage heading into the second leg at the Stade Boréale in Laval, Quebec, on November 8 at 4:00 pm ET (1:00 pm PT). The winner of that two-leg matchup will face the winner of the Ottawa Rapid FC-AFC Toronto matchup.
READ MORE: AFC Toronto Earns Draw in Season Finale at BMO Field
NSL Semi-Final Matchup Between AFC Toronto and the Ottawa Rapid FC
Both teams have one game left in the NSL semi-final with everything on the line. In addition, if Toronto eliminates Ottawa in the second leg of the NSL semi-final, this will be Katrine Pedersen’s last game, according to the Ottawa Rapid FC website. She will not be the team’s head coach, as the Danish manager said she needs to be closer to her family.
READ MORE: Nikayla Small: A Standout AFC Toronto Midfielder
The game starts at 2:00 pm ET at TD Place Stadium on November 7, 2026. Ottawa Rapid FC must win by at least two goals to send it to extra time and penalties. If they win by more than two goals in regulation, they will win the two-leg tie. However, a result for AFC Toronto, such as a draw or a win, and even a one-goal loss, will allow them to advance to the NSL Final and eliminate the Ottawa Rapid FC from the competition.
Photo Credit: Sophia Gutierrez for AFC Toronto on October 31, 2026.
