On a day that meant more than the result, Calgary Wild FC fought with heart and purpose but were edged 2-1 by AFC Toronto at McMahon Stadium on Saturday. Read More
Northern Super League squads suit up at McMahon Stadium in support of the Canadian Cancer Society to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Northern Super League squads suit up at McMahon Stadium in support of the Canadian Cancer Society to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
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On a day that meant more than the result, Calgary Wild FC fought with heart and purpose but were edged 2-1 by AFC Toronto at McMahon Stadium on Saturday.
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On a brisk fall afternoon, the Northern Super League squads suited up for more than just the match, taking the field in support of the Canadian Cancer Society, raising funds for breast cancer research to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
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“Today we obviously played for more than just football and the result, so when you don’t get that result, that’s what you go back to and think about as a coach,” said Wild FC head coach Lydia Bedford. “Life and death is way more important than three points, but as a group we know how important these next two games are.”
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First-place Toronto (15-6-3) opened the scoring in the 19th minute when Calgary product Kaylee Hunter beat Wild goalkeeper Stephanie Bukovec. Less than 15 minutes later, Cloey Uddenberg doubled the visitors’ lead with what would stand as the eventual match-winner.
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The fifth-place Wild (7-14-2) responded just before the halftime whistle, and it came through forward Jorian Baucom, who recorded her second goal in as many matches.
With two defenders on her, Baucom beat AFC goalkeeper Danielle Krzyzankiak just outside the box, to bring many in the crowd of 2,689 to their feet. The goal gave Calgary a crucial lift heading into the break, cutting the deficit to one and shifting momentum in the Wild’s favour.
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“I think that there’s a confidence among the team and myself just trying to play with more freedom, have fun, not be in my head as much and just trying to play carefree,” said Baucom on scoring her second goal of the season. “We’re continuing this momentum we’ve been building the last couple of games; I tried to make the most of my chances today and was lucky to find one in the back of the net before half. Now we just have to keep it going for the last two games and finish strong.”
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AFC Toronto went down to 10 players in the 64th minute after Kayla Novak was shown a red card. Calgary pushed forward in the closing stages, but the equalizer remained just out of reach.
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“I was really pleased with the intent and energy we brought into the second half,” said Bedford. “Jorian scoring right before half is really important for the team and it gave the team that kind of drive. For us, we now have to reflect on the quality that we bring in pressure moments and we want to have that response going into the Halifax game next week.”
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While the final score didn’t fall Calgary’s way, the match served as a powerful reminder of the big picture. The Wild proudly played in support of those impacted by cancer, standing in solidarity with survivors, fighters, and families.
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Previously eliminated from playoff contention in the six-team NSL, Wild FC will close out their inaugural season with two more home games. Next up is a matchup with bottom-place Halifax Tides FC on Saturday (noon, CBC Gem).
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Calgary concludes its campaign by hosting Vancouver Rise FC, who currently sit in fourth place on the table, on Oct. 16 (7 p.m., TSN).
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