TORONTO — AFC Toronto will clinch a playoff spot with a win after defeating the Montreal Roses 2-1 on Sunday in the final game of the inaugural Northern Super League regular season.
Montreal's Alexandria Hess opened the scoring in the 10th minute, firing a shot into an empty net after Toronto goalkeeper Sierra Cota-Yarde rose high to defend.
Toronto responded in the 42nd minute when Lauren Rowe crossed into the six-yard box and Sarah Stratigakis saved the ball to tie the game 1–1.
Nikayla Small gave Toronto the win with a goal in the 86th minute.
The two teams will meet again in the first-ever NSL playoffs, which begin on November 1st.
Toronto (16-6-3) finished the regular season atop the six-team league standings, while Montreal (10-9-6) finished fourth.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 19, 2025.
