Thursday’s July 23 game was full of fouls, paused momentum, closed lanes, and high pressure as the Montreal Roses took on AFC Toronto. While AFC Toronto entered the match after a blowout loss to Vancouver Rise, they came out ready to give the Roses a fierce battle in their third meeting.
The Montreal Roses introduced Mimi Alidou, recently signed from the Portland Thorns, to the pitch. Known for her strong defensive play and ability to create goals with her assists, this was an opportunity for her to make an immediate impact. However, AFC Toronto came prepared to frustrate the Roses, while the hosts did everything they could to maintain control.
Within four minutes of kickoff, Tanya Boychuk committed the game's first foul on April Lantaigne. Following the stoppage, AFC Toronto was quick to take control. Throughout the first half, both teams battled for space to create quality chances, with neither side giving an inch. The Roses displayed the smooth passing game they have become known for, while AFC Toronto responded with aggressive pressing, tackles, and interceptions.
Sarah Rollins of AFC Toronto received the first yellow card after pulling Elyse Bennett's shirt near the centre line. Shortly after, the Roses pushed forward, with Tanya Boychuk finding Haylee Whittaker with a long pass, though Whittaker was just a step away from getting a shot on target.
Mimi Alidou fouled Kaylee Hunter in the 23rd minute, resulting in a free kick just outside the penalty area that was comfortably handled by Anne Karpenko. Soon after, tensions continued to rise as Cloey Uddenberg wrestled Alidou to the ground during a battle for a Roses throw-in.
The Roses began the match with discipline, but as the half wore on, they became increasingly physical themselves. Tanya Boychuk was penalized for a push on April Lantaigne, giving AFC Toronto another dangerous free kick in the attacking third.
Alidou then showcased her quality by driving the ball forward before finding Boychuk, whose shot was saved by AFC Toronto goalkeeper Sabrina D'Angelo, who was also making her NSL debut.
The shirt pulling and physical battles continued, leading to a yellow card for Chloe Minas in the 32nd minute. From there until halftime, the scrappy nature of the match prevented the Roses from establishing any real rhythm.
On paper, the first half appeared to favour Montreal. The Roses held 59.2% possession, recorded two shots on target compared to AFC Toronto's none, committed six fouls to Toronto's 11, and received one yellow card compared to Toronto's two.
However, statistics rarely tell the whole story.
The second half began with the Roses earning their first corner kick, taken by Charlotte Bilbault, but an immediate whistle handed possession back to AFC Toronto. The visitors quickly broke forward as Sabrina D'Angelo found Kaylee Hunter, who then played Lauren Rowe. With plenty of space ahead of her, Rowe took advantage, beating Anne Karpenko with a well-placed finish to give AFC Toronto the lead in the 49th minute. It was a rare moment where Luc Cappadona's defensive structure and Karpenko were caught out, allowing Toronto to capitalize.
The Roses continued to battle, but the decisive moment came in the 73rd minute when Chloe Minas picked up her second yellow card after fouling Lauren Rowe, reducing Montreal to 10 players. The resulting free kick was made by Kaylee Hunter, doubling AFC Toronto's lead.
The Roses were never able to recover from that double blow, bringing their winning streak to an end. It's fair to wonder whether the absence of Evelyn Badu created a bigger gap than expected, but the team's discipline also unravelled as the match wore on.
While the Roses continued to show precision in possession and determination across the pitch, unnecessary pushing, shirt pulling, and fouls handed AFC Toronto too many opportunities. The hope will be that they learn from this performance and return to the more composed, tactical style that has brought them success. However, with several players already unavailable due to injuries and international call-ups, losing Chloe Minas through suspension will be another significant challenge as the Roses prepare to host Vancouver Rise on July 29.
