After losing the Northern Super League final to the Vancouver Rise, head coach Marko Milanovic shared that AFC Toronto took some time off to regroup. Milanovic humorously mentioned that they indulged in a couple of days of relaxation. Despite the setback in the championship, Milanovic’s team remains resilient. They are now gearing up for the inaugural North American World Sevens Football tournament in Florida.
AFC Toronto, the top team in the NSL regular season, will face tough competition from clubs like Mexico’s Club America, Tigres Femenil, the NWSL’s Kansas City Current, and others, all vying for a total prize pool of $5 million US. The tournament will feature seven-a-side matches played on a smaller field with unique rules including unlimited substitutions and no offside calls.
Milanovic, recognized as the NSL Coach of the Year, likened the tournament to indoor soccer played outdoors. Adjusting to the absence of offside calls presents a challenge, especially for the defensive line accustomed to that rule. However, forwards like Kaylee Hunter and Esther Okoronkwo are excited about the change, with Milanovic highlighting Okoronkwo’s enthusiasm following her success in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The event will take place in Davie, Florida, at Beyond Bancard Field, a stadium with a capacity of 7,000 that now hosts Fort Lauderdale United FC. AFC Toronto will kick off their Group 1 matches against Tigres, followed by games against Flamengo and Kansas City. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals on Sunday.
Reflecting on their recent loss, Milanovic acknowledged the initial rough patch but expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance. The Bayern Munich women clinched the previous World Sevens Football title, and this year’s tournament will see clubs like Ajax, AS Roma, and others competing. The tournament’s co-founder, Jennifer Mackesy, ensures that prize money is shared among staff and players.
Milanovic confirmed that all available players would travel with the team to the tournament. The Canadian World 7s roster includes goalkeepers Sierra Cota-Yarde and Danielle Krzyzaniak, defenders Ashley Cathro and others, midfielders, and forwards like Esther Okoronkwo and Kaylee Hunter.