AFC Toronto vs Vancouver Rise: Insights from the NSL Final

Now that the disappointment has worn off from Saturday’s Northern Super League (NSL) final at BMO Field in Toronto, I’m ready to share some pictures I took at the game along with some thoughts.

For those unaware, Vancouver Rise FC beat AFC Toronto 2-1 to win the first ever NSL title, but the match was not short of controversy. There was a definite handball that should have been a penalty for AFC Toronto late in the second half.

That plus several other questionable calls made me think the ref was shrinking in the moment. Indeed several of us joked that she had bet on Vancouver.

However, it wasn’t the refereeing that made AFC striker Esther Okoronkwo miss several key chances and mess up every time she had the ball in the box. If she makes even one of those, AFC Toronto is at least tied at the end of 90.

It was a pertinent that many in the stands were asking why she was still in the game for the full 90 when she was having a negative impact in the final third.

The first 37 or so minutes, AFC Toronto took the game to Vancouver Rise FC and were full value for a 1-0 lead on a goal by Kaylee Hunter. Then the lightning came, then the thunder, then a 20 minute weather delay.

After the delay the game was a little more 50-50. After the half, the game was for sure a 50-50 split with Vancouver capitalizing on two of their chances and AFC Toronto not finishing (see above note about Okoronkwo).

On the other hand, Nikayla Small was worth the price of admission for AFC, playing wonderful football and being a legitimate threat throughout.

I know Vancouver did enough to win, but nothing really stood out in their game. They just played a bit of a counterattacking match, defended as best they could, withstood a storm and somehow came from behind to win.

Some things that could have been a bit better included not hosting the NSL final the same weekend as the Royal Winter Fair. The parking situation was not fun. If I wasn’t very aware of Liberty Village’s parking options, I would not have been a happy camper.

Also, the closed north end entrances due to BMO Field’s World Cup renos have been annoying all season. The day of the final was no different.

I’ll say it’s too bad the weather wasn’t great, because a nicer day would have ensured a full turnout.

Overall it was another wonderful experience and we got to see a lot of friends at the game, so we’ll count it as a win.

Below is a gallery of pics I took from Section 117, Row 13.

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A soccer match in progress at BMO Field in Toronto, featuring players from AFC Toronto and Vancouver Rise FC, with a crowded stadium in the background.
A view from the stands at BMO Field during the NSL final, showing players from Vancouver Rise FC and AFC Toronto on the field, with a mostly empty stadium in the background.
View of BMO Field during the NSL final match with fans in the foreground, smoke rising from a celebration on the field, and an overcast sky.
Crowd at BMO Field during the NSL final, showing fans in colorful winter attire amidst orange seats.
A crowd gathered at BMO Field during the Northern Super League final, with players from AFC Toronto and Vancouver Rise FC on the field near the goalpost, showcasing the excitement of the match.
A player in a black uniform runs on the field holding a soccer ball, with spectators in winter clothing visible in the foreground.
AFC Toronto's players are gathered around the goal area during a corner kick, while the goalkeeper stands at the edge of the penalty box. The crowd in the background is visible, with a mix of players and officials on the field.
A soccer player prepares to take a corner kick on a rainy day at BMO Field, with spectators in colorful clothing watching from the stands.
Action shot from a women's soccer match between AFC Toronto and Vancouver Rise FC, with players in motion on the field and spectators in the stands.
AFC Toronto and Vancouver Rise FC players compete for the ball during the NSL final at BMO Field, with spectators in the stands.
Scoreboard displaying AFC Toronto 1, Vancouver Rise FC 0 at BMO Field during the NSL final.
Scoreboard displaying the NSL final between AFC Toronto and Vancouver Rise FC, with a score of 1-0 and 45 minutes of play remaining.
A scoreboard displaying the score of the NSL final match, showing the halftime score of Vancouver Rise FC 1, AFC Toronto 0, with players on the field and a crowd in the background.
A soccer match in progress, featuring players from two teams on the field, with a goalpost in the background and spectators in the stands.
A view of BMO Field during the Northern Super League final, featuring players on the pitch and an audience in the stands despite overcast weather.
AFC Toronto player in black uniform prepares to pass the ball during a soccer match at BMO Field, with spectators in rain gear visible in the foreground.
Women's soccer match in progress at BMO Field, with players from both teams on the field and an official in the foreground.
A soccer match in progress at BMO Field, featuring players from both teams vying for the ball on a rainy day, with spectators in the foreground.
View of a busy stadium during a soccer match, with spectators wearing jackets and rain gear under overcast weather.
A soccer player wearing number 31 prepares to take a corner kick while an official stands nearby, with spectators in the background under rainy weather.
Players from AFC Toronto and Vancouver Rise FC positioned during a soccer match at BMO Field, with a crowd visible in the background.
AFC Toronto player preparing to take a corner kick during the NSL final match, with spectators in raincoats in the stands.
A player in a black jersey prepares to kick the ball during a soccer match, with teammates and opponents in the background on a well-maintained green pitch.
A soccer match in progress at BMO Field with players on the field and a large audience in the stands, featuring a scoreboard displaying the game time.
A group of fans seated in a stadium section, some wearing winter clothing and a drum player standing behind them, with a sign reading '118'.
A crowd of fans seated at a soccer match, with a scoreboard displaying the time and score in the background.
AFC Toronto and Vancouver Rise FC women's soccer players on the field during the NSL final match at BMO Field in Toronto, with players positioned in various stances and a referee observing.
A female soccer player stands on the field, wearing a light-colored jersey and looking contemplative as she prepares for a free kick.
AFC Toronto player standing on the field with a soccer ball in front during a match.
Players on the field during the Northern Super League final match at BMO Field, with a crowd in the background and digital advertisements displayed around the field.
Players from Vancouver Rise FC and AFC Toronto positioned on the field during the NSL final at BMO Field, with a crowded stadium in the background and a large advertisement displayed.
A wide-angle view of a soccer match at BMO Field in Toronto during the Northern Super League final, featuring players from both teams on the field, with spectators visible in the background.
A view of a women's soccer match at BMO Field in Toronto, with players on the field and a large crowd in the stands under cloudy skies.
AFC Toronto and Vancouver Rise FC players on the field during a soccer match at BMO Field, with a crowd in the background.

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