With another clean sheet in the final to make it just one goal conceded in four knockout games, TopHat Gold proved that defense does win championships.

From the get-go, there was a clear indication of what shape the match would take. TopHat monopolized possession, particularly on the left wing, where Isabelle York, Sophie Kowalzyk, and Brooklynn Mulberry connected time and time again to create dangerous looks on goal. That culminated in a golden opportunity just three minutes in when Mulberry had her point-blank shot denied by a brilliant Adelaide Tomlinson save.

The HTX defense would get relief from time to time from either Rhea Steil or Kiana Puna going on solo counters, but those were often either foiled by Blair Banta in holding midfield or Anna Grace Richardson at center back.

That pressure eventually paid off when Kowalzyk set up a pinpoint Mulberry finish with a pinpoint-driven cross in the 30th minute. The goal was a long time coming at that point, making the lead feel much more than 1-0.

Although HTX came out with more fire in the second half, very little threatened Jada Cosby in goal as TopHat maintained possession, creating one chance after another. An Olympic goal scored by York in the 68th minute sealed a thoroughly dominating 2-0 victory.

Player of the Match: Blair Banta, TopHat Gold

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