The Calgary Wild FC delivered one of their strongest performances of the season on Saturday afternoon at McMahon Stadium but ultimately fell short 2-1 to AFC Toronto in a tightly contested matchup Saturday afternoon. 

“It was one of our strongest overall performances of the season,” said head coach Lydia Bedford. “The energy was good today, the players worked really hard for each other. Obviously, we scored first and you have to capitalize on that momentum but to then concede two pretty quickly afterwards is tough, but I can’t praise the team enough for what they put in from that moment onwards because I think we did everything other than score today.”

The Wild Rose squad struck first in the ninth minute when defender Meikayla Moore jumped ahead and converted on a set piece, directing in a free ball delivered by captain, Meggie Doughtery Howard.

“Meggie and I have a good relationship when it comes to set pieces and that’s not the first time that we’ve connected so I was happy to score and put the team in front for a little bit,” said Moore. “At the end of the day, my job is ultimately to keep the goals out of the net, that’s what I pride myself on but it’s nice to get on the scoresheet.”

AFC Toronto responded quickly when Kaylee Hunter scored the equalizer four minutes later from outside the box that beat Wild FC goalkeeper, Stephanie Bukovec. Just six minutes later, Emma Regan found the net in the 19th minute with what would eventually be the match-winner.

The Calgary Wild FC continued to apply pressure for the remainder of the match, dominating in large stretches of possession and creating chances but were able to find the back of the net.

Mother Nature stole the show at the 54th minute of the match as play temporarily suspended due to thunderstorms. When play resumed 45 minutes later, the Wild FC continued to control the pace at McMahon Stadium but were not able to equal the score. 

“Our processes are there, we’ve just got to keep trusting in what we do and stick together, and it will come,” said Bedford. “All-in-all, we just have to keep focusing on what we do and believe in the processes and trust that we’ve got what we need to win games.”

Saturday’s match marks the club’s third 2-1 loss to AFC Toronto in as many games. 

Wild FC’s season continues in Ottawa on August 9, where they will take on Rapid FC at 4 PM EDT.

Video Highlights of Halifax Tides FC
Media can access video highlights from the opening match on the Northern Super League YouTube Channel.

Match Summary

A complete match summary and stats can be viewed here.

Free Kicks

• Newcomers Jorian Baucom and Kathryn Harvey made their McMahon Stadium debuts after first appearing for Wild FC in Montreal against Roses FC on July 26;
• Kahli Johnson made her return to the pitch, playing 20’+, her first minutes since June 21 versus the Ottawa Rapid FC;
• The Wild Rose country showed their support for the home team despite Mother Nature’s blast. Attendance for the match was 2,637.

On the Radar

August 9 at Ottawa Rapid FC at 4 p.m. EDT (GEM)

August 16 vs Halifax Tides FC at 2 p.m. MDT (GEM)

2025 Northern Super League Schedule

Secure Your Seat

Tickets for all Calgary Wild FC matches are available here.

About Calgary Wild FC

Calgary Wild FC is one off six teams in the newly created Northern Super League which will begin its inaugural season in 2025, featuring some of the best women’s soccer players in the world. Shop our exclusive merch and be one of the early #fansinthewild. For the latest news and information on Calgary Wild FC, visit www.calgarywildfc.com or follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and X.  Follow the league at www.nsl.ca.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Chris Dornan

Calgary Wild FC

T: 403-620-8731

E-mail: chrisdornan@calgarywildfc.com