It wasn’t easy, but it finally happened. Perhaps AFC Toronto being in the first-ever Northern Super League (NSL) final being hosted at BMO Field was an inevitability, but it didn’t seem like it at times.

Heck, even Mother Nature was against them as they had to postpone the scheduled Sunday afternoon semi-final second leg against the Montreal Roses until Monday evening.

Already having built a 2-0 aggregate lead, AFC Toronto was in prime position to finish the job at home. And they did just that, with Esther Okoronkwo netting a hat trick in a 4-1 rout over Montreal.

That match, as most of the Supporters Shield winners’ matches this season, was hosted at York Lions Stadium.

Most, but not all. The inaugural AFC Toronto match was held at BMO Field (see Community Celebration for more) and they fell 1-0 to Montreal. Truth be told, AFC Toronto was the better team that day and did deserve at least a split of the spoils for their efforts.

They also played a special match during the CNE at BMO Field, this time falling to Vancouver 1-0. Again, AFC Toronto was the better team on the day from both the eye test and the stat line.

AFC Toronto now has the opportunity to exact revenge on Vancouver in the NSL final on November 15 at 2 p.m. Tickets to the match were still available with some under $30 (all fees and taxes included) and there won’t be a bad seat in the house. The forecast is dry but chilly, so dress warm.

A couple of months ago, AFC Toronto captain Emma Regan took time out for an interview on The Chris O Show Podcast. The idea of returning to BMO Field for the final was discussed.

“I love playing there, I think it’s an amazing pitch,” Regan said. “I love our home stadium at York. It’s been great . . . But BMO definitely, when we get to play there, it is different. It’s just the stage and you get to play on grass, all of that is super nice. Unfortunately, we’re still looking for our first win there.”

But, maybe the third time’s the charm in getting that elusive first BMO Field win. Bonus being that it’s in the biggest match of the season.

“And everyone will forget about the first two if we do that,” she said.