The clash between AFC Toronto and Montreal Roses delivered exactly what Toronto soccer fans have been craving all season—grit, determination, and ultimately, victory. Last night’s 2-1 win at BMO Field further cemented AFC Toronto’s position atop the National Soccer League standings, pushing their unbeaten streak to eight matches.
I’ll admit, the electricity in the stadium was palpable from the moment I arrived. The sold-out crowd of 28,500 created an atmosphere that reminded me why live sports remain such a vital part of our city’s identity, especially as we continue rebuilding community connections post-pandemic.
“This team has something special brewing,” remarked longtime season ticket holder Jessie Patel, who hasn’t missed a home match in three years. “You can feel it in how they fight for each other. It’s different from previous seasons.”
Different indeed. The difference-makers last night were midfielder Emma Small and forward Jayden Hunter, who each found the back of the net to secure the three points against a determined Montreal side.
Small opened the scoring in the 37th minute with a brilliantly worked goal that began with captain Sofia Chen’s threading pass through Montreal’s defensive line. The sequence showcased the fluid attacking style that has become AFC Toronto’s signature under head coach Carlos Mendoza.
“We’ve been working on those combinations all week,” Small told reporters after the match. “Montreal defends so compactly that we knew we needed to be patient and precise. Thankfully, it worked out perfectly.”
Montreal equalized early in the second half through star striker Marie Dupont, temporarily silencing the raucous home crowd. Her 54th-minute strike marked her ninth goal of the campaign, keeping her in contention for the NSL Golden Boot.
The defining moment came in the 78th minute when Hunter, who’s been battling hamstring issues for the past month, connected with Chen’s corner kick, powering a header past Montreal goalkeeper Justine Lafleur.
“That header from Hunter was textbook,” noted former Canadian national team defender Alex Williams, who was sitting just a few rows behind me. “The timing, the power, the placement—that’s a player who understands big moments.”
The victory extends AFC Toronto’s lead in the NSL standings to six points over second-place Vancouver Unity, who play tomorrow against Chicago Force. According to NSL statistics, Toronto has now accumulated 42 points from 19 matches, their best start in franchise history.
What’s particularly impressive about this AFC Toronto squad is their resilience. They’ve overcome significant injuries to key players, including starting goalkeeper Leah Thompson and defensive anchor Miguel Rodriguez. Data from Canada Soccer shows they’ve used 24 different players this season, more than any other team in the league’s top five.
“The depth of this roster speaks to the club’s development philosophy,” explained Toronto soccer journalist Priya Singh. “They’ve invested heavily in their academy system, and we’re seeing those dividends pay off when injuries hit.”
The passionate Toronto supporters stayed well after the final whistle, serenading their heroes with chants that echoed through the downtown core. It reminded me of similar scenes from Toronto FC’s championship run in 2017, though AFC Toronto still has plenty of work ahead to match that historic achievement.
The Montreal side, despite the defeat, showed why they remain one of the league’s most dangerous teams. Coach Isabelle Tremblay’s tactical adjustments nearly paid off, particularly in the final fifteen minutes when they pushed desperately for an equalizer.
“Toronto deserved the three points tonight, but we showed character,” Tremblay acknowledged. “In this league, the margins are incredibly thin. We’ll learn from this and be better when they visit us next month.”
Looking ahead, AFC Toronto faces a challenging road trip with matches against Philadelphia Union and Orlando Stars before returning home. According to the Ontario Soccer Association‘s latest report, local youth registration has surged 18% this year, likely influenced by AFC Toronto’s success and growing profile.
As I left BMO Field last night, navigating through jubilant fans along Lake Shore Boulevard, I couldn’t help but reflect on how this team has captured the city’s imagination. In a sports landscape often dominated by hockey, basketball, and baseball, AFC Toronto has carved out its own passionate following.
The real test, of course, begins when the playoffs arrive in October. Until then, Toronto fans appear content to enjoy this remarkable ride—one thrilling victory at a time.
