AFC Toronto and Montreal Roses face off in second-ever NSL Finals

The GIST: Montreal Roses FC and AFC Toronto descend upon Ottawa to duke it out for the NSL crown tomorrow at 2 p.m. ET. This classic Canadian rivalry pits the No. 1 seed Roses against a Toronto squad that’s already been to the Final once and has been grinding all year to avoid another second-place result.

• In five regular-season meetings this season, the Roses hold a slim edge winning twice and losing once, while notching two draws. Can’t wait to break this one down.

🖤 Massive offensive showing propels Toronto to second consecutive Final: Toronto dismantled Ottawa Rapid FC in the semis, outscoring the higher-ranked team 8–2 across both legs. Playing well beyond her years, 18-year-old forward Kaylee Hunter leads the team in scoring, while the D is anchored by experienced NSL Team of the Season defenders, Sarah Rollins and Colby Barnett.

🌹 Montreal Roses unbeaten in 12 consecutive games: A late-season coaching change rejuvenated the Roses and their high defensive press has what it takes to suffocate Toronto in transition. Montreal forward Elyse Bennett is lethal on set pieces and can go shot-for-shot with Hunter, setting up a stacked battle of the nines. New champs, loading…