AFC Toronto secured a playoff berth with a victory over Montreal Roses by a scoreline of 2-1 in the concluding match of the inaugural regular season of the Northern Super League. The game saw Montreal’s Alexandria Hess netting the opener in the 10th minute, taking advantage of an empty net as Toronto’s goalkeeper Sierra Cota-Yarde was out of position. Toronto equalized in the 42nd minute through Sarah Stratigakis who converted a cross from Lauren Rowe inside the six-yard box. The winning goal came from Nikayla Small in the 86th minute at York Lions Stadium.
The two teams are set to clash again in the upcoming NSL playoffs commencing on November 1. Toronto (16-6-3) clinched the top spot in the league standings, earning the Supporters’ Shield, while Montreal (10-9-6) finished in fourth place. The victory also marked AFC Toronto’s first-ever hoisting of the Supporters’ Shield in the NSL.
[Image: Nikayla Small scores the late winner as AFC Toronto defeated Montreal Roses 2-1 in the final NSL regular season match of the season.]