AFC Toronto Looks For First Win At BMO Field In Home Opener Against The Halifax Tides

Northern Super League side AFC Toronto is set to host the Halifax Tides for the club’s season home opener at BMO Field.

The matchup marks the first meeting between the teams this season, with Toronto going undefeated in five games against Halifax last season, posting a 4-1-0 record against them overall.

Today’s match takes place at the tail end of the second week of NSL action. In the first week week, both Toronto and Halifax took away three points in their respective games, with Toronto defeating the Rise 3-2 at Swangard Stadium and the Tides winning 3-1 at home to Ottawa Rapids FC.

The Tides finished bottom of the league table last season, but have begun the 2026 campaign with a strong win and head into the Toronto matchup with several fresh additions to the team recruited in the offseason. In fact, league co-founder Diana Matheson described the Haligonian roster refresh as one big thing to watch this season.

“I thought they were really organized and tough to play against last year,” said head coach Marko Milanovic ahead of the home opener at BMO Field. “It’s a much improved roster (this year), with a great staff. We have a lot of respect for them, and it’s going to be a challenge. But we love challenges here.”

This season AFC will spilt its home games between BMO Field and York Lions Stadium. Seven games of the team’s thirteen home games are set to be played at BMO Field, including today’s home opener and the final two matches of the season later on in October.

Toronto will be looking to secure its first win at BMO Field following the three losses at the stadium last season, including the NSL Final against the Vancouver Rise FC.

“We absolutely enjoy playing down there (at BMO Field),” says Milanovic. “There’s usually a great crowd, it’s loud. The field is phenomenal, it’s where the World Cup will be played, so it’s an honour to play there. We’re looking forward to it.”

Both Jordan Brewster and Kaela Hansen are unavailable to play, while Samantha Chang is out for the season after sustaining a season ending injury back in March.

Halifax will be coming back for some last season revenge and Toronto will be on the haunt for its first win at BMO Field. Fans can catch the action between both sides today with kickoff set for 12:00PM EST.

Header Image Photo Credit: John Jacques