AFC Toronto secured a playoff spot with a 2-1 victory over Montreal Roses in the final game of the Northern Super League’s first regular season. Montreal’s Alexandria Hess scored first in the 10th minute, taking advantage of an open net after Toronto goalie Sierra Cota-Yarde’s high defense.
Toronto equalized in the 42nd minute when Lauren Rowe delivered a cross into the six-yard box, allowing Sarah Stratigakis to tap it in. Nikayla Small sealed the win for Toronto with a goal in the 86th minute at York Lions Stadium.
The two teams are set to clash again in the upcoming NSL playoffs starting on Nov. 1. Toronto (16-6-3) claimed the top spot in the league standings, earning the Supporters’ Shield, while Montreal (10-9-6) finished fourth.
The match victory saw AFC Toronto lift the inaugural Supporters’ Shield. Watch the highlights of the game below.