Esther Okoronkwo Bags First-Half Hat-Trick as AFC Toronto Crushes Montreal Roses FC to Book NSL Final Spot

Esther Okoronkwo put on a masterclass performance as AFC Toronto stormed into the Northern Super League (NSL) Final, thanks to her sensational first-half hat-trick. The Super Falcons striker struck three times in just 30 minutes, leading Toronto to a dominant 4–1 win over Montreal Roses FC (6–1 on aggregate) in a snowy semifinal battle at York Lions Stadium.

The 28-year-old Nigerian international opened the scoring early before adding two more clinical finishes that left Montreal’s defense reeling. Lauren Rowe added Toronto’s fourth goal after the break, while Tanya Boychuk netted a late consolation for the visitors.

With the result, AFC Toronto, the NSL’s regular-season champions, advanced to the league’s inaugural championship final, where they will take on Vancouver Rise FC on November 15 at BMO Field. Vancouver reached the final after a thrilling 5–4 penalty shootout victory over Ottawa, following a 3–3 draw on aggregate.