Arrianna Toolsie Sports Editor

AFC Toronto draws 1-1 with Halifax Tides

On Monday, October 26th, AFC Toronto faced the Halifax Tides at BMO Field in the final match of the regular season. With playoffs looming in just a few days, Toronto was looking to finish their regular season with a strong performance.

With a dynamic yet cold weathered game for the women, the match had ups and downs on both sides. Toronto spent the majority of the first half of the game with the ball on Halifax’s side of the field. 28 minutes into the game, Toronto’s Kaylee Hunter struck the ball into the back of the net, making the score 1-0. 44 minutes into the game, Halifax’s Saorla Miller tied the game 1-1 just before halftime. The second half featured numerous near misses on both sides, with Halifax regaining a lot of possession of the ball while Toronto appeared to collapse in defense as the game progressed. The match finished 1-1.

Though it may not have been the strong finish Toronto may have hoped for, in the postgame interview, head coach Marko Milanović and Kaylee Hunter both exclaimed that the team were going to find more momentum and find more chances offensively as they look towards playoffs in the coming days.

AFC Toronto wins 4-2 against Ottawa Rapid

On Saturday, October 31st, AFC Toronto faced Ottawa Rapid at York Lions Stadium in the first of two semi-final matches. Toronto meant it when they said they wanted to have more momentum going forward; they maintained a positive mindset going into this match.

Toronto prevailed in the first half of the game, with April Lantaigne and Kaylee Hunter putting the team ahead 2-0. In the 30th minute, Sabrina D’Angelo stopped Ottawa’s penalty attempt, keeping the lead at two goals. Goals were exchanged in the second half, with both Toronto and Ottawa scoring twice for their respective clubs. Lena Silano and Kaylee Hunter from Toronto scored, while Choo Hyo-Joo and Keera Melenhorst from Ottawa did the same. The match ended 4-2, with Toronto taking the first game of the semi-finals.

Despite Toronto’s victory, head coach Marko Milanović emphasized the need to focus on the next match and recognize areas for improvement in their performance. Upset by the two goals conceded, they hope to retain their momentum and clear up their mistakes in the upcoming game.

They play Ottawa in the second match of the semi-finals on Saturday, November 7 at TD Place Stadium.

On Assignment

The Mike’s Sports Editor, Arrianna Toolsie and Design Manager, Aiden Fung, did media coverage of AFC Toronto in hopes of expanding the reach of women’s sports in the city to the students.

Women’s sports are very important because they continue to inspire the next generation of athletes, fostering confidence, representation, and community identification through club programs. They allow girls to pursue their aspirations, as local women’s leagues become more widespread around the country.

Supporting women’s sports is critical as they continue to fight for change with courage and determination.

Help be a part of the change, support your women’s teams; AFC Toronto wants you!