On Saturday, Sep. 13, 2025, AFC Toronto celebrated Frosh Night with a highly anticipated match against Vancouver Rise FC at York Lions Stadium. It was gearing up to be a competitive game, with AFC Toronto firmly atop the Northern Super League (NSL) table — six points clear of second-place Rise.
It didn’t take long for AFC Toronto to open the scoring, as Nigerian Superstar Esther Okoronkwo scored a stunning free-kick to make it 1-0. In the 45th minute, Kaylee Hunter made it 2-0, cutting into the box and slotting the ball into the bottom left corner. The goal showed off her elite talent and why, in this editor’s opinion, she’s the future face of the Canadian National Team. Shortly after, Kaela Hansen tapped it in from a scramble in the penalty box to make it 3-0.
The Rise failed to rise to the occasion, struggling to stop AFC Toronto from scoring. Sarah Stratigakis made it 4-0 just five minutes into the second half. Okoronkwo doubled her tally in the 65th minute; Hunter followed suit four minutes later, bringing her total to 12 goals this season, just four behind Delaney Pridham of the Ottawa Rapids.
Jade Kavacevic put the nail in the coffin and sent the Rise packing, pushing the score to 7-0 and sealing a record-breaking win for AFC Toronto. With this victory, AFC Toronto became the first team to clinch a playoff berth in this inaugural NSL season.
The game showed that no one is currently sitting at the same table as AFC Toronto when it comes to attacking firepower. Okoronkwo and Hunter proved exactly why they are the Sonic and Knuckles of the NSL. Hunter and Okoronkwo have a combined 24 goals and assists this season, contributing to 70% of AFC Toronto’s goals. To show how crazy this stat is, Hunter and Okoronkwo alone have outscored the Halifax Tides and Calgary Wild FC at the time of writing.
AFC Toronto is a clear favourite to win the NSL. The only thing standing in their way is the infamous “curse of the BMO Field.” The team is 0-2 at the stadium this season, and success in the NSL finals may lie in defeating this supernatural force rather than any of the other clubs.
AFC Toronto will once again be donning their iconic vermillion stripes next week at the York Lions Stadium as they play against the Halifax Tides. The match will be held in collaboration with the Canadian Cancer Society to fundraise and spread awareness.
As the playoffs approach, the Vermillions will look to strengthen their home-field advantage. If you are unable to show your support in person, the game can be streamed on TSN+, ESPN+, and nsl.ca.
