Hunter scores brace, AFC Toronto earn third-straight win with 3-1 victory over Tides
- Noah Curitti
- 6 minutes ago
- 3 min read
By Noah Curitti
Photos by Daniel Carrero
AFC Toronto secured a 3-1 win over Halifax Tides FC on Saturday at York Lions Stadium, extending their win streak to three games.
With 3,098 fans in attendance for the team’s Pride Night, Toronto delivered, improving their season record to 6-3-1. Forward Kaylee Hunter led the way, earning player of the match honours after scoring two goals and recording an assist.
“I try to come into every game and do the best I can to help the team and scoring is a positive from that, everyone loves to hit the back of the net,” said Hunter.
The first half started with early pressure from Toronto, who nearly capitalized in the opening minutes but lacked finishing in the box. However, AFC blinked first. Halifax scored off a well-orchestrated play that ended in a Toronto own goal by defender Sarah Rollins in the 5th minute.
Despite that setback, Toronto responded with intensity, earning several corners and chances, including a goal-line clearance by a Tides defender.
As the half progressed, Toronto dominated possession and chance creation. Kaylee Hunter was a standout, leading the attack and eventually levelling the score with a brilliant solo run and finish in the 22nd minute.
The Tides had trouble containing Hunter, often giving her too much space to work with, something they sought to improve throughout this matchup.
“You can’t let a player with that quality get turned into the box and get a shooting opportunity, she’s gonna finish those,” said Halifax head coach Lewis Page after the game.
Halifax struggled to maintain momentum and fell into a defensive shell, while Toronto continued pressing. Despite multiple chances—mainly from Hunter and forward Esther Okoronkwo—the half ended with the scoreboard showing 1-1, with Toronto looking the stronger side heading into the break.
For the league’s second Pride game, players wore rainbow armbands and ankle cuffs sporting a rainbow-themed version of their team logo, while rainbow flags were used at the corners of the pitch. AFC welcomed drag performers for a halftime show presented by YoHomo, while fans brought a variety of Pride flags and coloured smoke into the stands.
With the crowd fired up, Toronto came out firing in the second half, immediately taking control of the game. Just three minutes in, Hunter struck again. Her shot was initially saved, but the ball looped into the net to give Toronto a 2-1 lead.
Moments later, Hunter turned provider, setting up Okoronkwo for a close-range finish to make it 3-1 in the 52nd minute.
Hunter and Okoronkwo displayed great chemistry throughout the match, setting each other up with some great opportunities and leading the way offensively.
“We’ve got a good relationship, we understand each other on the pitch,” said Hunter. “It’s super fun and if we just keep on doing what we are doing, I think we are going to be okay.”
Halifax responded with substitutions in an effort to shake things up, but they struggled to gain any meaningful possession or create chances.
From there, Toronto managed the game comfortably. They eased off the high press but continued to dominate the ball, while Halifax remained largely toothless in attack.
A few late quality chances, including a Halifax corner in the 88th minute, were handled well by Toronto’s defence.
Hunter was subbed off to a standing ovation in stoppage time after an outstanding performance, as Toronto saw off any threats to secure the victory.
With her performance and a strong defensive effort, Toronto moved into the top spot in the Northern Super League (NSL) standings.
“If you want to have a positive atmosphere and results you have to remember how you feel after each victory,” said AFC assistant coach Sylvia Forbes. “I and all of the staff have never questioned the effort of our players. We expect the players and the staff to get better each week.”
On the other hand, the Tides now drop to six losses on the season, with just one win so far. Though this is the case, the Halifax players are still confident to turn their season around.
“We have to stay focused for 90 minutes. That’s what we will work on and that’s going to get us some results. We are not throwing in the towel yet,” said Tides captain Sydney Kennedy.