AFC Toronto will kick off a new era in professional women’s soccer in Toronto when the new club hosts Montreal Roses at BMO Field as part of the inaugural Northern Super League (NSL) season on Saturday, April 19.
And Toronto’s newest pro sports team expects to be embraced by the city and young women alike, according to one of the club’s founders.
“It is important for young girls who grew up in Toronto to know they can play professionally in their city and represent it proudly,” said Helena Ruken, AFC Toronto co-founder, in a statement recently. “AFC Toronto will accomplish that for many.”
On paper, Toronto appears to be one of the top teams in the league and will be competitive in their pursuit of the inaugural NSL Championship. But success comes in different shapes and sizes.
“It’s to connect authentically with our community,” said co-founder Billy Wilson when discussing this season’s goals recently. “That’s more important to me than winning silverware, but you don’t get one without the other.”
Coaching staff with deep ties to Toronto soccer
Leading the team from the touchline are head coach Marko Milanovic and assistant coach Sylvia Forbes. Milanovic has over a decade of coaching experience, particularly with North Toronto Soccer, where he mentored players who later pursued professional careers.
Loading ...Milanovic’s connections and the signing of four young, local players from the North Toronto Soccer system emphasize AFC Toronto’s commitment to championing local talent.
Along with Milanovic, Forbes has a record of developing young talent where she served as Technical Director of Ajax Soccer Club.
And this all aligns with the club’s founders’ stated goals of establishing a pathway for women’s soccer to grow and develop in the Greater Toronto Area, shaping the future of women’s soccer in Canada.
Players came to Toronto looking for starting opportunities
AFC Toronto’s inaugural squad features a blend of emerging Canadian talent, NCAA graduates, and international experience.
As a top league in women’s soccer, the NWSL is filled with Canadian talent and players looking for starting roles. Toronto took advantage of the loan system by signing Victoria Pickett from North Carolina Courage, Mya Jones from San Diego Wave, and Amanda West on a half-season loan from Houston Dash. They will certainly use this opportunity in the NSL to thrive and showcase themselves in starting roles this season.
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Commanding the goal is 6-foot-1 Finnish goalkeeper Sofia Manner. After honing her skills in the United States, she offers a physical presence and can support play by building from the back.
The defensive line is youthful but will be anchored by veteran Korean international Hong Hye-ji. After time in the NWSL, former Houston Dash player Croix Soto will look to bring a winning mentality and be a standout in the back line. Toronto will also depend on former Canadian youth nationals Kaela Hansen and Ashley Cathro to provide a steady defensive presence.
Canadian international brings depth to the midfield
Toronto’s strength lies in the core and depth of the midfield. They made history by signing Emma Regan, the first active member of the Canadian women’s team to join the NSL. A box-to-box defensive midfielder, she is a natural leader and was just named Toronto’s first-ever captain. She is versatile and will control play up and down the field.
“To be named the first captain of AFC Toronto is an unbelievable honour,” said Regan. “This club stands for something bigger than any one of us, and I’m incredibly proud to help lead a group of players who are as passionate about building the women’s game in Canada as I am.”
Alongside Regan are Pickett and former Japanese youth national Aoi Kizaki, who bring flexibility by stretching the field and breaking lines. Keep an eye on the depth of several talented collegiate graduates including Colby Barnett, Cloey Uddenberg, Nyota Katembo, and former Canada U-20 captain Nikayla Small who will all fight for places and feature in key roles throughout the season.
AFC Toronto’s squad is a mixture of experience and youth
Up front, Toronto looks to win offensive battles and attack fast. As the club’s first signing, Jade Kovacevic brings goal-scoring prowess as League 1’s all-time leading goal scorer. Shaina Ashouri and Nigerian international Esther Okoronkwo deliver valuable international experience from overseas, and NWSL loanees Jones and West supply pace, creativity, and much-needed goal-scoring abilities.
Rising star Leah Pais will compete for a spot at the front as she continues to develop after success in college and League1. The two youngest members of the squad, April Lantaigne and Kaylee Hunter, are two emerging talents in Canadian soccer. Their energy, ambition, and raw technical abilities give Toronto attacking depth and mark the start of a new generation of Canadian women’s soccer.
There are leaders throughout the team, which will help foster a team identity and nurture the development of young talent as they navigate professional soccer for the first time.
The club colours of Victory Vermillion and Might Maroon symbolize energy, passion, and ambition. In the club’s shield, mirrored sevens on either side of a large “Anchor T” represent the seven founding members of the club and the city’s six boroughs plus the GTA that align with the club’s commitment to the community. The AFC also has a double meaning as the club’s motto: “Always For: Commitment, Change, Courage and Celebration.”
AFC Toronto will play their regular home games at York Lions Stadium, sharing the venue alongside Toronto FC II, York United, and York United FC Academy this season.
But AFC Toronto will begin their inaugural season against Montreal Roses FC at BMO Field on Saturday, April 19.
