Esther Okoronkwo assisted the winning goal in AFC Toronto’s 2–1 comeback victory over Montreal Roses as they lifted the inaugural Northern Super League (NSL) Supporters’ Shield on Sunday, www.aclsports.com reports.
Montreal had drawn first blood through Alexandria Hess in the 10th minute, before Sarah Stratigakis equalized for Toronto late in the first half from Lauren Rowe’s delivery.
With the match tied at 1–1, Okoronkwo showed great composure in the 86th minute, holding up the ball before laying it off for Nikayla Small, who fired home the decisive goal that sealed a historic triumph for Toronto.
Okoronkwo’s assist, her seventh of the regular season, ensured she finished as the NSL’s assist leader. The Super Falcons forward, who was nominated for the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award, will be hoping to claim her third trophy when the Northern Super League playoffs kick off in November, having already won the NSL Supporters’ Shield and the WAFCON title.
“It feels really amazing,” Okoronkwo said after the match. “We’ve worked so hard from the start of the season, and to see our dream become reality is truly special.”
AFC Toronto finished the regular season as league leaders with 16 wins, 6 losses, and 3 draws, and will now turn their focus to the upcoming NSL playoffs.
