ANALYSIS – Colby Barnett once again steps up for AFC Toronto. In previous games, Barnett was the one providing the scoring chances for her teammates. On Saturday, she was the one who got a scoring chance, and she delivered. As a result, AFC Toronto are now fourth in the NSL/SLN standings, while the Halifax Tides FC remains in last place.
Colby Barnett and AFC Toronto Come Up With The Win
Colby Barnett Delivers Once Again
As seen in the home opener with the Montreal Roses FC/Roses de Montréal, Barnett created several scoring opportunities for her teammates. Today, she scored her own goal thanks to a great cross by Nikayla Small.
Barnett gave credit to Small for delivering a fantastic cross to her as she said this (Source: The Canadian Press):
“Nikki put in the most perfect ball that she could have. In my mind, I was just like, `Do not miss this, do not miss this,'” said Barnett, who scored her first NSL goal. “I was really happy to be on the other side, and it feels nice. I get why the strikers like it so much.”
Both Barnett and Small were not the only players who had fantastic games, as the whole team generated lots of scoring chances in the game.
AFC Toronto Generated Lots of Scoring Opportunities
AFC Toronto created lots of scoring chances with lots of overlapping passes being created. AFC were also the aggressor on the road offensively. Some examples include:
- Esther Okoronkwo had a glorious chance to score, but was unable to convert, thanks to a pass delivered by Kaylee Hunter.
- Hunter made a great pass to Victoria Pickett but was unable to convert.
Another chance was a shot by Pickett from a turnover that was expertly stopped by Erin McLeod.
AFC Toronto’s Defence Was Rock Solid
The biggest reason for AFC Toronto’s win was their defence. There were some big plays that defined the game. This included:
- On a Halifax Tides FC counterattack, Nikayla Small got to the ball quickly and passed the ball back to Sierre Cota-Yarde.
- Saorla Miller’s pass was blocked by AFC Toronto’s defence.
- Ashley Cathro made a potential goal-saving defensive play to keep the Halifax Tides FC player off-balance.
- Christabel Oduro’s attempted shot was deflected and went out of bounds thanks to a Sarah Rollins goal-saving defensive play.
READ MORE: Kaela Hansen: AFC Toronto’s Important Defender
Halifax did have chances to score; however, Toronto was able to weather the storm and earn its first-ever road win of the 2025 NSL/SLN season. Also, Kaela Hansen made a big defensive stop late in the game.
Other Factors: Emma Regan Had A Big Game
READ MORE: AFC Toronto and CANWNT Player Profile: Emma Regan
Emma Regan had a big game as she played the full 90 minutes, plus extra time. Her leadership and her playing a huge role at the defensive end of the ball were needed for Toronto to win this game at the Wanderers Grounds.
READ MORE: PWHL and NSL: A Bond Like No Other
AFC Toronto will now travel to Montreal to face the Montreal Roses FC/Roses de Montréal FC on May 22 at 7:00pm ET at Stade Boréale. That game will be shown on TSN+, ESPN+ (U.S. only), NSL.ca, and will also be televised live on RDS. The Halifax Tides FC will also be on the road as they travel to the West Coast to face the Vancouver Rise FC at Swangard Stadium on May 21 at 10:00pm ET. The game will be streamed on TSN+, nsl.ca, and in the U.S., ESPN+.
Photo Credit: AFC Toronto on May 17, 2025.
