Reported live from Toronto by Bolarinwa Olajide
AFC Toronto booked their place in the inaugural Northern Super League Final in spectacular fashion, thanks to a blistering first-half hat trick from Esther Okoronkwo that dismantled Montreal Roses in a 4-1 semifinal second-leg victory. With a 6-1 aggregate triumph, Toronto now sets its sights on Vancouver Rise FC in what promises to be a historic showdown at BMO Field.
Originally postponed due to heavy snowfall, the match resumed at York Lions Stadium with Toronto unfazed by the conditions. The team’s fluid attacking play and high press overwhelmed Montreal, who struggled to contain the pace and precision of Toronto’s front line.
Esther Okoronkwo opened the scoring in the seventh minute after a long ball from Victoria Pickett released Kaylee Hunter, who chipped it across for Okoronkwo to slot home. Thirteen minutes later, the Nigerian forward doubled Toronto’s lead on a shifty set piece. Okoronkwo then completed her hat trick in the 26th minute, finishing a clinical first-half display that all but sealed the series.
Montreal managed a consolation goal through Tanya Boychuk in the 74th minute, but Toronto’s Lauren Rowe responded with a fourth goal to cap off a dominant display.
AFC Toronto Head Coach Marko Milanovic on Okoronkwo’s performance: “It was a complete team effort. The work up top from (Kaylee Hunter), alongside Esther, was incredible until she came off and she was the one who set up that first goal as well. As for Esther, we know what she’s capable of. She’s a big-time player who always delivers in big moments, we saw it at the Africa Cup of Nations, and now again in this semifinal. Hopefully, we’ll see more of that in the final too.”
Milanovic on the team’s motivation: “We remind each other every day how lucky we are to do what we love. It might sound cliché, but it’s true – this doesn’t feel like a job most days. We love coming to the facility, being around one another, and playing the game. It’s been an absolute privilege to share this season with these players and staff. Joy and gratitude are core values for us, and no matter the challenges, we always make sure our environment reflects that.”
Milanovic on pepping for the final: “From the start of the season, even in preseason friendlies, our approach has always been the same. We prepare the same way, train the same way, and stay true to our process. The final will be no different. Our schedule won’t change, my message won’t change much, and I’m sure Emma (Regan)’s speech will be better than mine, as usual.”
With the final set for Saturday, November 15 at BMO Field, AFC Toronto will face Vancouver Rise FC, who edged past Ottawa Rapid in a dramatic penalty shootout.
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