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Lena Silano scored twice as AFC Toronto blanked Ottawa Rapid FC 3-0 in the Northern Super League on Saturday, securing a playoff spot alongside the Montreal Roses.
Lena Silano scored twice for AFC Toronto in a 3-0 blanking of Ottawa Rapid FC in the Northern Super League on Saturday at York Lions Stadium in Toronto. Toronto secured a playoff spot and joined the Montreal Roses in the post-season of the Canadian women's pro soccer league.
Toronto Clinches Playoff Berth with Win
Toronto (10-5-7) ranked second in the standings, two points behind Montreal and just one point ahead of Ottawa (11-8-3). The victory on Saturday ensured Toronto will compete in the post-season alongside the Montreal Roses.
Silano struck in the 44th and 49th minutes, marking her first career NSL goals after entering the game without a goal all season. She stripped Ottawa goalie Mollie Eriksson of the ball to score her first, then booted a low bouncer to the right corner for her brace.
Keeper Sabrina D'Angelo, a two-time Olympian who has played for Canada for a decade, produced a clean sheet for Toronto.
Silano's Brace Seals Victory for Toronto
Silano, a Californian, expressed pride in her team's performance. She said that as a team they have been working really hard, and that pressing is a strength, so she was happy they were able to get a goal off that and gain momentum going into the second half, where they added another goal.
The match took place on Saturday at York Lions Stadium in Toronto. The Northern Super League is the Canadian women's professional soccer league, now in its second season.
Ottawa's Delaney Pridham, the NSL's player of the year in its first season in 2025 and the team's leading scorer with five goals, returned to the Rapid's lineup after missing five games with an injury.
Toronto's win not only secured a playoff spot but also dealt a blow to Ottawa's standings position. Ottawa, which had been just a point behind Toronto, remains in third place.
Northern Super League Playoff Race Heats Up
The Northern Super League's playoff race is intensifying as Toronto joins Montreal in the post-season. With the win, Toronto keeps pace with Montreal while staying ahead of Ottawa.
Silano's performance was a breakout moment for the forward, who had yet to score in the league before Saturday. Her two goals provided the offensive spark Toronto needed to secure the crucial victory.
D'Angelo's clean sheet was her team's defensive highlight, as the veteran goalkeeper added another strong performance to her decorated career.
Pridham's return for Ottawa was a significant boost for the Rapid, though it was not enough to overcome Toronto's attack. The NSL continues to grow in its second season, with playoff positions now clearer as the regular season progresses.
Lena Silano AFC Toronto Ottawa Rapid FC Northern Super League Sabrina D'angelo Delaney Pridham York Lions Stadium
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