Nikayla Small scores in AFC Toronto win over Vancouver Rise
AFC Toronto secured a crucial 3-2 victory over the Vancouver Rise in a Northern Super League showdown on Wednesday. The match, held in Burnaby, B.C., saw Nikayla Small make her mark by scoring her first goal in NSL action.
The game kicked off with Emma Regan finding the back of the net just two minutes into the match, giving Toronto an early lead. Kaylee Hunter extended the visitors’ advantage to 2-0 in the 42nd minute. However, Mariah Lee pulled one back for Vancouver in the 68th minute, narrowing the deficit to 2-1. Small then stepped up and scored a crucial goal in the 73rd minute to put Toronto ahead by two goals once again.
As the game entered injury time, Rise midfielder Quinn converted a penalty kick in the eighth minute of stoppage time, bringing the final score to 3-2 in favor of AFC Toronto.
Despite Vancouver controlling 54% of possession and outshooting Toronto 13-8, the hosts fell short in securing a result. Toronto will now look to build on this victory as they prepare to face the Wild in Calgary on Saturday. On the other hand, the Rise will have some time off before their next match on June 22 against the league-leading Montreal Roses.
The match was a testament to the competitive nature of the Northern Super League, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination on the field. Stay tuned for more exciting NSL action as the season unfolds.
