AFC Toronto extended its unbeaten run to three games with a 1-0 win over Halifax Tides FC at Wanderers Grounds in Nova Scotia Saturday.
An early goal courtesy of Colby Barnett was all that was needed, as Toronto dictated the pace of the match from the beginning.
Toronto head coach Marko Milanovic opted for another shuffle of the back three, as Croix Soto came in for her second start, and Sarah Rollins debuted for the first time this season. For Halifax, Erin McLeod returned in goal, while Milly Clegg and Megumi Nakamura started up top.
Barnett scores early goal for Toronto
A rainy and overcast afternoon in Halifax, Toronto adapted quickly to the grass surface at Wanderers Grounds. Toronto found the lead with their first opportunity of the match in the 6th minute. Off a throw-in on the right side, Nikayla Small delivered a looping cross to the back post to an unmarked Barnett, who struck a half volley first time with her right foot to put it past Halifax goalkeeper Erin McLeod to score her first goal and give Toronto the early 1-0 lead.
“Nikki put in the most perfect ball that she could have. In my mind, I was just like, ‘Do not miss this, do not miss this,’” said Barnett post-game. “I was really happy to be on the other side, and it definitely feels nice. I get why the strikers like it so much.”
Toronto’s attack on the front foot
Toronto was on the front foot in the opening stages and hemmed Halifax in their end with their attacking press. In the 10th minute, a giveaway by Addison Weichers to Victoria Pickett led to a shot from distance that forced a stretch save from McLeod.
Toronto played with a variety of attacking options and used the full pitch in their favour.
They found success playing vertically over the top from their central defenders, attacking through the middle with Emma Regan, Small, and Pickett, and using the wide flanks as crossing options through Barnett and Ashouri. There was also constant interchange across the front line, as Hunter and Okoronkwo opened up channels and allowed third-man runs into the box.
Hunter got in on the action moments later as she danced around the top of the box and hit a curling shot that went just wide. A minute later, Toronto almost doubled its lead as Shaina Ashouri found Pickett in the box, but her shot sailed over the bar. Ashouri continued to supply crosses from the wing as she found Okoronkwo’s head in the box.
Positive signs for Halifax at the end of the first half
Soaking up the Toronto pressure, Halifax generated some chances at the end of the first half. In the 42nd minute, Nakamura found Clegg, who drove at the Toronto defense and hit a deflected shot towards Toronto goalkeeper Sierra Cote-Yarde, who dealt with the awkward shot with her left leg. Moments later, Karima Lemire found a channel to Saorla Miller, who sent in a dangerous low cross into the box to Clegg, but she wasn’t able to connect on the pass. Although there were positive signs for Halifax at the latter stage of the first half, Toronto dominated possession and controlled the tempo, outshooting Halifax 8 to 3.
Chances for both sides in the second half
In the 56th minute, Okoronkwo had a great opportunity to extend Toronto’s lead. Picking the ball in the middle, Hunter sent Okoronkwo alone on goal with McLeod, but after taking too much time, her late shot on net was cleared off the line by Sara Olai.
Moments later, at the opposite end of the field, Olai laid a pass to Gianna Creighton, whose shot from distance went just wide of the net. Halifax, dangerous on set pieces, had multiple teasing balls sent in from Gunnhildur Yrsa Jónsdóttir, but no one was able to connect on the passes this afternoon.
Similar to the first half, Halifax generated some chances in the final stages of the match. In the 80th minute, Lemire found Christabel Oduro alone with Cota-Yarde, but Rollins was quick to clear it away. On an ensuing corner, Sydney Kennedy grazed the crossbar, with Halifax coming close to an equalizer. In the 85th minute, there was a moment of distress as Cota-Yarde had trouble dealing with a bouncing ball. Daphnée Blouin almost put a shot into the empty net, but Kaela Hansen was quick to put the ball out of play. With the last chance of the match, Kennedy pushed her way to the top of the box and hit a shot from distance, but Cota-Yarde easily saved it.
Although easing up on the attacking pressure in the second half, Toronto looked comfortable as they hung on to close their first road win of the season. A complete team performance, Toronto looks strong as they continue on a three-game unbeaten run. Meanwhile, Halifax will continue to search for their first win of the season as they continue to struggle to finish their attacking chances.
“We continue to work and get better. We’re not too concerned with our record at this point, said Milanovic post-game. “I said that after losses, and I’m saying that after wins, we’re just gonna continue to get better. As we put more work in, it looks better and better each week.”
Both teams will head on the road for midweek play. Halifax Tides FC will travel to Vancouver to face Vancouver Rise FC on Wednesday, May 21, while AFC Toronto will head to Montreal to face Montreal Roses FC on Thursday, May 22.
