The Northern Super League is less than a week old, but history is already being made. Saturday’s matchup between AFC Toronto and Montréal Roses FC at BMO Field is officially sold out, a first for the NSL, and a bold statement from fans in the country’s biggest city.

It’s a fitting backdrop for a marquee matchup between two founding clubs loaded with national and international talent. With 14,500 fans expected to pack the stands, the atmosphere promises to be electric.

Hometown Heat: AFC Toronto

Toronto takes the pitch for the first time ever backed by a roster that blends international experience, Canadian grit, and no shortage of creativity. At the heart of it all is club captain Emma Regan, a poised and tactical midfielder ready to lead the squad onto home turf with purpose.

In the midfield, fans will get their first look at a deep and versatile core: Victoria Pickett, Nikayla Small, Cloey Uddenberg, and Aoi Kizaki are just a few of the names expected to control the tempo.

Up top, goal-getters Jade Kovacevic, Esther Okoronkwo, and Mya Jones are poised to light up the scoreboard, while Hong Hye-ji and Croix Soto anchor a defense built to hold firm under pressure.

With Sofia Manner and Sierra Cota-Yarde in goal, Toronto’s last line of defense is in steady hands.

It’s a new chapter for the city, and one they’re ready to write in bold.

New Roots: Montréal Roses FC

Led by co-captains Tanya Boychuk and Mégane Sauvé, Montreal Roses FC makes their professional debut with purpose. Built with balance, belief, and bite, the Roses arrive in Toronto ready to challenge, compete, and make a statement.

Charlotte Bilbault, a proven international, brings experience and calm to the midfield alongside rising Canadian stars Lorie Thibault and Félicia Roy.

The attack is fast, fearless, and full of promise, with Boychuk, Sauvé, Noémi Paquin, and Latifah Abdu expected to pressure high and play with flair.

In the back, Julia Leas, Stéphanie Hill, and Lucy Cappadona will look to shut down Toronto’s strike force, while the trio of keepers - Gabrielle Lambert, Anna Karpenko, and Anne-Marie Laroche compete for the club’s first-ever start in goal.

Expect poise. Expect passion. Expect potential.

The Stage Is Set

Two teams. One field. A sold-out crowd. And a historic first whistle on the East Coast.

As AFC Toronto and Montreal Roses FC step onto the pitch for their inaugural match, they do so not just as competitors, but as pioneers of the NSL era. With a sold-out crowd, big names on the pitch, and the eyes of the country watching, Saturday’s showdown at BMO Field is the kind of moment the NSL was built for.

Kickoff is set for 4:00 PM ET. Whether you’re in the stands or watching from home, this is one you don’t want to miss.

Welcome to the Northern Super League. It all begins here.