BRADENTON, Fla. -- Cincinnati United overturned an early deficit to win a third straight Champions Cup trophy in a game that cemented the legacy of one of the best GA teams in history.

There were two intriguing storylines at play heading into the final. One was whether the Ohio side could achieve an unprecedented back-to-back-to-back title, while the second was if Mya Townes, a U17 USYNT star and no. 11 ranked player in the 2025 class, could continue her momentum from a two goals-one assist performance in the semi-final and clinch the trophy for TSJ FC Virginia.

In the early onset, it looked like the latter storyline would beat out the former as Townes drew first blood in the 30th minute on a skillful turn and finish following a sweet pass from Chloe Lee. And that was all after Cincinnati goalkeeper Gianna Mlynek already had to make a couple of world-class saves, suggesting that the game might turn into a blowout.

But true to the form of a team that has won plenty together, the Ohio-based squad did not panic, instead relying on its leaders to orchestrate the comeback. Particularly Braelyn Even, who had another excellent performance at center back and kept Townes at bay for the rest of the game, and Rylie Morse, a midfielder who stayed at the core of play by winning possession time after time and breaking any momentum and counter-attack TSJ FC Virginia mustered.

That led to a 71st-minute corner kick that Morse delivered perfectly onto the path of center-back Emily Steiner, who headed home the equalizer. The Cincinnati side had looked dangerous on set-pieces all game with impressive delivery and excellent athleticism on the receiving end.

From that point, it was clear the game was destined for overtime as both teams struggled through the afternoon heat to finish a fourth high-intensity match in five days.

Whatever Head Coach Katrin Kaarna said to his team at the end of regulation worked a treat as Cincinnati began overtime with renewed energy to chase a golden goal, flipping the possession in their favor after FC Virginia had held the upper hand for most of the 90 minutes. A long-range rocket from Kylie Costa that crashed off the crossbar in the first half of overtime added to the momentum that led to the golden goal.

In a capsule that summed up the fitness and intensity of a Cincinnati side that seemed to grow stronger as the game developed and the heat increased, Riley Marques sprinted 60 yards to press a hopeless ball, leading to a cramp for an exhausted FC Virginia defender that would then open the space Lexi O’Shea needed to receive in the six-yard box and execute a lethal championship winning half-volley.

On another day, TSJ FC Virginia may have capitalized on their early momentum to secure the title, but the best teams do whatever it takes to win, and Cincinnati United did just that.

MVP: Braelyn Even, Cincinnati United

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