Toronto’s breakthrough win over Ottawa leaves the Northern Super League’s leading three clubs separated by only three points
By Dagim Tekle
The race for the 2026 Northern Super League Supporters’ Shield has taken another dramatic turn, with AFC Toronto defeating Ottawa Rapid FC and Montréal Roses FC moving into first place following a decisive weekend of women’s professional football across Canada.
After 18 matches, Montréal leads the league with 34 points just one ahead of Ottawa and three clear of AFC Toronto. Vancouver Rise FC occupies the fourth and final playoff position, while Halifax Tides FC remains within striking distance.
AFC Toronto 2–1 Ottawa Rapid FC
AFC Toronto recorded its first victory at BMO Field on Sunday, August 30, defeating Ottawa Rapid FC 2–1 in a tense Battle of Ontario.
Despite creating several opportunities, Toronto was unable to break through during the opening 45 minutes. The match finally changed in the 73rd minute when 18-year-old forward Kaylee Hunter converted a free kick from the edge of the penalty area.
It was Hunter’s ninth league goal of the season, moving her within one goal of joint Golden Boot leaders Elyse Bennett and Jessica De Filippo.
Hunter also played a part in Toronto’s second goal. Her headed effort was finished by substitute Sarah Stratigakis in the 86th minute, giving the home side a two-goal advantage.
Florence Belzile pulled one back for Ottawa near the end of regulation time, but Toronto protected its lead to secure an important three points.
The result improved AFC Toronto’s record to nine wins, four draws and five defeats. The club now has 31 points after winning five of its last seven matches.
“This was something really special because we haven’t done that a lot here,” Toronto captain Nikayla Small said of securing the club’s first BMO Field victory.
The defeat dropped Ottawa from first to second with 33 points. Rapid FC has scored a league-leading 39 goals but has now conceded 30—significantly more than the other two title contenders.
Toronto, meanwhile, possesses the league’s strongest defence, allowing only 18 goals in 18 matches.
The occasion also marked a significant development for AFC Toronto’s new academy. Isabella Lanzillotta and Gabriela Istocki were included on the first-team bench through Youth Development Permits, demonstrating the club’s emerging pathway from youth football to the professional level.
Montréal Roses FC 1–0 Halifax Tides FC
Montréal Roses capitalized on Ottawa’s defeat by securing a narrow 1–0 victory over Halifax Tides at Stade Saputo.
Veteran midfielder Desiree Scott scored the decisive goal in the 76th minute as Montréal collected its 10th victory of the campaign.
The match attracted an announced crowd of 17,077, providing another powerful indication of the growing audience for professional women’s football in Canada.
Montréal now leads the standings with 34 points and holds a league-best goal difference of plus-14. Its balanced record 33 goals scored and only 19 conceded has placed the Roses in a strong position entering the final portion of the regular season.
For Halifax, the defeat was a missed opportunity to overtake Vancouver for the fourth playoff position. The Tides remain fifth with 21 points, two behind the defending champions.
Vancouver Rise FC 2–2 Calgary Wild FC
Defending champion Vancouver Rise needed a stoppage-time equalizer to rescue a 2–2 draw against last-place Calgary Wild at Swangard Stadium.
Renee Partovi gave Calgary the lead in the 12th minute before Canadian international Quinn equalized for Vancouver in the 39th.
Kahli Johnson restored Calgary’s advantage three minutes later, and the Wild appeared set to record only their third victory of the season. Jessica De Filippo, however, scored in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time to deny the visitors.
De Filippo’s goal was her 10th of the season, placing her level with Montréal’s Elyse Bennett at the top of the NSL scoring chart.
Although Vancouver remains fourth, its defensive record continues to be a concern. The Rise has conceded 41 goals more than twice as many as Montréal, Toronto or Halifax.
Calgary remains sixth with 10 points after conceding 48 goals in 18 matches.
