AFC Toronto secured a playoff berth with a victory over Montreal Roses, ending the Northern Super League’s inaugural regular season on a high note. The match saw Montreal’s Alexandria Hess scoring first in the 10th minute, taking advantage of Toronto goalkeeper Sierra Cota-Yarde’s high position to find the net.
Toronto equalized in the 42nd minute when Lauren Rowe delivered a precise cross into the six-yard box, allowing Sarah Stratigakis to score and tie the game at 1-1. The winning goal came from Nikayla Small in the 86th minute at York Lions Stadium, sealing the victory for Toronto.
Both teams are set to face off again in the upcoming NSL playoffs commencing on Nov. 1. Toronto (16-6-3) clinched the top spot in the league standings, earning the Supporters’ Shield, while Montreal (10-9-6) finished fourth.
The thrilling victory was captured on video as AFC Toronto celebrated their inaugural Supporters’ Shield win over Roses, highlighting Nikayla Small’s decisive goal in the final moments of the match.
