AFC Toronto moves to retain nine more players, now has 18 under contract for 2026

By: The Canadian Press Posted: 3:21 PM CST Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025

TORONTO - AFC Toronto moved to retain nine players Wednesday, including goalkeeper Sierra Cota-Yarde, midfielder Nikki Small and forward Kaylee Hunter.

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TORONTO - AFC Toronto moved to retain nine players Wednesday, including goalkeeper Sierra Cota-Yarde, midfielder Nikki Small and forward Kaylee Hunter.

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This article was published 17/12/2025 (292 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

TORONTO – AFC Toronto moved to retain nine players Wednesday, including goalkeeper Sierra Cota-Yarde, midfielder Nikki Small and forward Kaylee Hunter.

Cota-Yarde, Small and Hunter had their contracts extended through 2027 with Hunter’s deal also including a club option for 2028.

Goalkeeper Danielle Krzyzaniak’s contract was extended through 2026 with midfielder Sarah Stratigakis’ extension running through 2027.

AFC Toronto forward Kaylee Hunter (11) celebrates her goal against Vancouver Rise FC during first half NSL final action in Toronto, on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sammy Kogan

The Northern Super League team also exercised 2026 contract options on defenders Kaela Hansen and Ashley Cathro and midfielders April Lantaigne and Cloey Uddenberg.

“We’re really pleased to have this group of players returning after such a successful inaugural year,” Toronto sporting director Billy Wilson said in a statement. “Each of them made meaningful contributions to our first season, and we’re excited to see how they continue to grow and push our standards forward in 2026, and beyond.

“Their commitment to the club and their performances this past year give us a strong foundation as we prepare for next season.”

The 17-year-old Hunter ranked second in the league with 16 goals last season, when Toronto topped the regular-season standings at 16-6-3. Toronto made it to the league’s inaugural championship game, losing 2-1 to Vancouver.

Hunter, named the NSL Rookie of the Year, joined Toronto defender Colby Barnett, midfielder Emma Regan and forward Esther Okoronkwo on the NSL Best XI.

The club, which now has 18 players under contract for next season, said it remains in discussions with midfielders Kaila Novak and Victoria Pickett for the 2026 season.

AFC Toronto Roster (players under contract for 2026)

Goalkeepers: Sofia Manner, Finland; Sierra Cota-Yarde, Toronto; Danielle Krzyzaniak, Caledon, Ont.

Defenders: Croix Soto, U.S.; Sarah Rollins, Toronto; Ashley Cathro, Victoria; Kaela Hansen, Burnaby, B.C.

Midfielders: April Lantaigne, Whitby, Ont.; Nikayla Small, Pickering, Ont.; Emma Regan, Burnaby, B.C.; Zoe Burns, Canada; Sarah Stratigakis, Toronto; Nyota Katembo, Montreal; Cloey Uddenberg, Richmond Hill, Ont.; Colby Barnett, U.S.

Forwards: Kaylee Hunter, Calgary; Esther Okoronkwo, Nigeria; Lauren Rowe, Conception Bay South, N.L.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 17, 2025