AFC Toronto's long-awaited return to York Lions Stadium was one that they hoped would end in celebration. Instead, it ended in frustration.

In front of 2,554 supporters on Saturday afternoon, Toronto looked destined for all three points before a stoppage-time equalizer from Montréal's Lisa Pechersky forced the hosts to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Despite the late disappointment, there was a sense of comfort in being back on familiar ground.

"We consider this home because we're here every day and we feel really comfortable," head coach Marko Milanović said after the match. "The players enjoy coming to this facility and so do the staff."

Toronto's comfort level showed in a composed performance. The hosts controlled long stretches of the match and once again displayed the defensive resilience that has made them one of the league's toughest sides to break down.

Goals had been hard to come by until the 68th minute, when Lauren Rowe continued her emergence as one of Toronto's brightest attacking sparks.

The move began with Hunter, whose effort created chaos inside the Montréal penalty area. The ball spilled to Rowe at the top of the box, and she made no mistake, firing home her second goal of the season.

"We were kind of on our back foot, and we weren't getting too many opportunities forward," Rowe said. "I think in those moments, though, we're not really behind. We're just taking a moment to slow down the game, so that those moments will come where Kaylee will get the opportunity and I'll finish it behind her. We work together in those situations."

The understanding between Rowe and Hunter is beginning to blossom, something that was evident on the winning-looking goal.

"It definitely is," Rowe said of their growing chemistry. "And throughout the game too. I think we got more comfortable with each other, playing off each other well."

For more than 20 minutes after taking the lead, Toronto looked in complete control. Their back line, which has conceded the fewest goals in the Northern Super League this season, gave Montréal little room to operate.

That defensive structure has been one of the biggest positives for Milanović.

"What's encouraging for me, personally, is that we have two games in a row now, Calgary and this one, where we allowed very little on our goal," he said after the match. "Barely any chances against."

Deep into stoppage time, Montréal found one final opening. Lisa Pechersky pounced in the 94th minute to level the score, silencing the home crowd and snatching a point for the visitors.

The draw leaves AFC Toronto unbeaten in consecutive matches and fifth in the Northern Super League table with eight points, but there was an undeniable sense that two points had slipped away.

Saturday also marked the Northern Super League debut of defender Jordan Brewster, who played 76 minutes in her first start for the club. The American defender said the opportunity to join Toronto was one she couldn't pass up.

"I think it was a great opportunity with this team being in their second year," Brewster said. "Still developing, getting through things, and finding their identity. So that was a cool thing to come and be a part of.

"And then obviously being in Canada is cool. I've been in a couple of different countries playing, so just expanding my portfolio in terms of that. And just with Marko and Billy, the team was just a good fit for me."

The match also unfolded against the backdrop of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Toronto serving as one of the tournament's host cities. Milanović believes the moment represents a significant opportunity for the women's game and the domestic league.

"The league is growing, it's getting better," he said. "I think the quality of football is better this year than it was last year. Definitely I think every team has improved. We're getting higher-profile players in the league as well. Not just us, but the rest of the clubs as well. So I think there's a lot to be excited about."

"It's really cool that the World Cup is in our country, in our city. Hopefully it just brings more excitement and more eyes to the game."

For AFC Toronto, the challenge now is turning promising performances into victories. The signs of progress already exist: a tightening defence, an emerging partnership between Rowe and Hunter, and an increasingly settled squad.

The only thing missing on Saturday was the final whistle arriving a few minutes sooner.