Late Goal Lifts Montreal Roses Past AFC Toronto at BMO Field

Montreal Roses FC continued their unbeaten start to the Northern Super League season with a dramatic 1-0 victory over AFC Toronto on Sunday afternoon at BMO Field.

American forward Elyse Bennett scored the decisive goal in the 88th minute, breaking a tense deadlock and securing a third straight win for Montreal, who improved to 3-0-0 on the season.

Toronto pushed hard throughout the match and created several dangerous chances, especially early in the game. Kaylee Hunter and Lauren Rowe tested the Montreal defence in the opening half, while goalkeeper Danielle Krzyzaniak delivered a strong performance with three saves in her second career start.

Despite Toronto finishing with seven shots on target compared to Montreal’s four, the visitors remained organized defensively and capitalized late. Goalkeeper Anna Karpenko recorded her third consecutive clean sheet as Montreal continued their impressive defensive run.

“The opponent challenged us with their high press, particularly in the first half,” Montreal head coach Robert Rositoiu said after the match. “In the second, the players were able to build out from the back more cleanly while staying very strong defensively.”

AFC Toronto head coach Marko Milanović expressed frustration after the defeat, believing his side deserved more from the contest.

“I thought we played well enough to score one, maybe even two goals,” Milanović said. “We just need more quality in front of goal.”

The match also featured the AFC Toronto debut of American forward Mia Fontana, who entered in the 80th minute after signing with the club last month.

Toronto now sit fourth in the Northern Super League standings with a 1-1-1 record, while Montreal remains one of the league’s hottest teams early in the 2026 campaign.

AFC Toronto will next travel west to face Vancouver Rise FC on May 23, while Montreal prepares for an away clash against Calgary Wild FC.