Late equalizer denies AFC Toronto a victory in 1–1 draw with Vancouver Rise FC

(MATTHEW JOSEPH/INTERMISSION SPORTS)

By: Noah Curitti 

Photos by Matthew Joseph

With Mother’s Day crowds, stellar goalkeeping and late drama, AFC Toronto drew against Vancouver Rise FC with a final score of 1-1 on Sunday at York Lions Stadium. 

2,650 fans attended the celebration of moms and created a vibrant sea of red at the game, which brought Toronto’s record to 1-2-1 and Vancouver’s to 2-1-1. 

AFC entered the match with a taste of winning in their mouths after their first win of the season on May 1 against Calgary Wild FC but lacked composure in the final seconds of the game, allowing substitute Jessica De Filippo to score from a corner and secure the Rise a point. 

Toronto head coach Marko Milanovic felt that his team needs to improve on defending set pieces better. 

“Obviously it feels like a loss for us, I felt we controlled the second half and created chances to score but we allowed one in through a set piece which has definitely been an issue for us this year. We definitely have to address that,” said Milanovic. 

The first half opened with Toronto pressing aggressively and dictating the pace. An early interception led to a strong scoring chance for Toronto forward Esther Okoronkwo—who scored a brace in the victory over Calgary—but to no avail. 

Vancouver responded by targeting the flanks and winning several corners, though they struggled to convert those into real chances. Toronto’s high press and physical intensity limited Vancouver’s effectiveness, and the combination of Toronto’s Kaylee Hunter and Okoronkwo up front were a consistent threat, linking up well to create multiple opportunities, with Hunter standing out thanks to her creativity and strong attempts on goal.

The middle phase of the half saw Toronto’s midfield trio step up, especially Nikayla Small, who was named player of the match.

“We hope the national team coaches are watching,” said Milanovic, crediting the strong performance by Small. 

Small controlled play and created many chances for the Toronto forwards. Vancouver briefly found space but couldn’t capitalize, with their best look hitting the side netting. Toronto created their own counters out of bad clearances from Rise netminder Morgan McAslan, but poor final passes or good goalkeeping from McAslan kept the scoreboard unchanged. 

Toronto began shifting roles in attack, with Okoronkwo moving wide and Hunter taking up a more central position as the primary striker, continuing to drive the offense.

In the final 15 minutes of the first half, Toronto maintained momentum with sharp pressing and fluid buildup. A sequence involving Hunter and Small nearly unlocked the defence, but McAslan remained solid. 

Toronto dominated possession and defended well, forcing corners and free kicks, though finishing let them down. As the half closed, Hunter dazzled with a solo run through the Vancouver defence, setting up Okoronkwo for a golden opportunity but she was again denied by the standout McAslan. Despite Toronto’s control and multiple chances, the half ended scoreless, with Vancouver hanging on under pressure.

Vancouver head coach, Anja Heiner-Moeller believed her team played well in the first half and stayed resilient even when pressured. 

“I am happy to see the behaviours of the team, and how they react to diversity. We knew what we were doing and what we wanted to do in a situation like that. That’s what you want in a squad, especially in games like these,” said Heiner-Moeller.

Toronto carried momentum into the second half, staying aggressive and creating early chances through crisp passing from Small and Hunter. They generated three quick opportunities, along with a golden chance on the foot of defender Ashley Cathro off a set piece, but she missed an open net. Despite dominating the play, Toronto could not beat McAslan, who played a stellar game.

A three-on-two break for Vancouver caused AFC goalkeeper Sierra Cota-Yarde to spring into action. Cota-Yarde had a relatively quiet day, which was good since she was filling big shoes—Toronto’s usual starting goalie Sofia Manner was out for the game due to following concussion protocol. Manner leads the NSL in saves but Milanovic had full faith in the 22-year-old Toronto native to fill in. 

“Sierra is a very confident goalkeeper, obviously we are all upset with what happened to Sofia but we have all of the confidence in Sierra,” said Milanovic. 

Midway through the second half, Vancouver made several substitutions and began to show more urgency, but still struggled to create clear chances. Toronto continued to press, with standout efforts from captain Emma Regan, Okoronkwo and especially Hunter, whose solo runs repeatedly broke through Vancouver’s back line, though her finishing let her down.

Toronto controlled possession and tempo but couldn’t convert, keeping the match in balance.

In the closing 15 minutes, Toronto pushed hard for a winner. Despite physical play and some referee leniency, it looked like it was going to be a goalless contest, until a moment of brilliance broke the deadlock: in the 85th minute, Toronto substitute Aoi Kizaki scored a stunning volley from outside the box to give the crimson faithful something more to celebrate. 

Milanovic and Small gave Kizaki’s game a lot of praise, as Small refers to her as the “Japanese Messi.” 

“Aoi is one of our best footballers, she is technically outstanding, has a great IQ, she is still getting used to the North American physicality and transitions. Once she’s used to that we feel she will be very valuable for us,” said Milanovic. 

Just as Toronto looked set for their second victory of the season, disaster struck: Vancouver capitalized on a lapse in Toronto’s focus and equalized in the final seconds through a header by De Filippo. 

Just after the play resumed after the goal, the whistle blew leaving Toronto no opportunity to answer and reestablish their lead. 

De Filippo did not start, but that did not phase her. Playing in Toronto meant something to her as she was born in Mississauga. With family in attendance, she capitalized on her moment, saving her team from a loss. 

“Whatever role the coach gives me, I am going to step up and do everything I can. Getting my goal showed all the hard work the team put into this game,” said De Filippo. Coming back from injury and getting a goal in front of my family was big for me.”

UP NEXT: A beautiful sunny Mothers Day at York Lions Stadium turned into a poor result for the home team, but they will be able to get redemption against Halifax Tides FC at Wanderers Grounds on May 17th.