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Photo Credit: AFC Toronto
AFC Toronto 3-0 Ottawa Rapid: Efficient Hosts Earn Win
By Another team qualified for the Northern Super League playoffs this weekend, with the race for the regular season title still on the line. In what was a big game at the top end, AFC Toronto prevailed 3-0 over Ottawa Rapid at York Lions Stadium.
Four changes were made for the home team following their 1-1 draw out east against the Halfiax Tides. Notable returns saw Olivia Chisholm and Kaylee Hunter, both of whom were involved in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Ottawa ended a five-game losing streak in their last game, getting the better of the Calgary Wild 3-1. Just one change was made for this one, as Delaney Baie Pridham was inserted back of the lineup in place of Johanne Fridlund.
The first chance came three minutes in, when Lee Min-a played in Pridham, who went for goal. Sabrina D’Angelo was equal to it though, sticking a foot out to make the stop.
Toronto looked the more poised team in attack, looking more dangerous as a result. Nyota Katembo had a hit from distance that flashed just wide of the mark.
Midway through the half, Ottawa had a decent effort as Lee went for goal from distance. Despite a difficult angle, the midfielder’s attempt was a solid one, arrowing to the top corner. D’Angelo was there though, leaping to make the catch.
Moments later, the visitors were back on the attack. Florence Belzile played it across to Pridham, but her effort was blocked by Sarah Rollins, whose timely tackle prevented a possible goal.
Some sleek buildup from Toronto opened up a good opportunity, which was taken by Chisholm. Mollie Eriksson was called into action as she dove to her left to make the stop. She also got up in time to deny Nikayla Small from converting a rebound.
The breakthrough goal came just before the interval, with Ottawa made to pay for sloppiness at the back. Eriksson was caught with the ball at her feet, failing to fool Lena Silano. The American stole it and scored in an empty net to put her side ahead.
Less than five minutes after the restart, Toronto made the most of another defensive error from the Rapid. Keera Melenhorst was taken off the ball by Small, who played in Silano. The striker’s curling effort found the bottom corner past a helpless Eriksson.
Melenhorst thought she made amends for her error shortly thereafter as she drilled in Lee’s initial shot that was saved by D’Angelo. However, the referee called it back for offside.
Small was unlucky not to get a goal of her own as the AFC Toronto captain travelled a bit with the ball before striking. Eriksson was completely beaten by the shot, but the post came to Ottawa’s rescue.
The Rapid was not without chances, and could have pulled one back with nine minutes left. Fridlund, who came on as a substitute, was played in and had a shot on target. Unfortunately for her, it was straight at D’Angelo, who got down to make the save.
Ottawa was made to pay immediately, as Toronto went down the field and scored their third. Sarah Stratigakis’ strike from outside the box found the back of the net past an outstretched Eriksson.
With the result, Toronto’s unbeaten run is at six games (3-3-0). They are just three points behind leaders Montreal Roses, who drew on Sunday at the Tides. Next for the defending regular season winners is a clash with the Vancouver Rise, which will double as a W Canadian Championship quarterfinal as well.
For Ottawa, who suffered sixth reverse in their last seven, they dropped to third place. They will make the trip to Quebec to meet the Roses in what will be a must-win for them if they are to have any chance at winning the regular season. They also qualified for the playoffs on Sunday thanks to the goalless match between the Roses and Tides.
Header Image Photo Credit: AFC Toronto
