The U17 Girls Academy national trophy is headed to Texas as Lonestar Red proved once again that defense does win championships. Nationals Blue scored once but could not equalize late as Lonestar pulled off the 2-1 comeback victory.

The opening minutes gave a look into what shape the game would take. As star center-back, Sloane Guion made several last-ditch tackles to stop a Nationals Blue goal as her team conceded a large chunk of possession.

Most of the half took on that tempo until the Michigan power broke through. Kensey Teffner unleashed an outrageously accurate cross from right back that Lilliana Dushaj chested down and finished with world-class composure.

And with 10+ minutes remaining in the half, the momentum did not seize for Nationals Blue, creating several opportunities to extend the lead only to be foiled by an off-target shot or an incredible save from Brooklyn Escobar.

The best Escobar save came at the end of the half as Lily Pantaleo dribbled through the defense and unleashed a shot from the six-yard box that looked destined for the net, only for the Lonestar goalkeeper to make an athletic kick save despite diving the wrong way.

With that top-notch save to keep the deficit at one, Lonestar went into halftime with a comeback within reach. And that opportunity came as center-back Sofia Peters flexed her elite leaping ability to rise highest and head down a corner kick that Finley Newell instinctively flicked into goal for an early second-half equalizer.

The goal came against the run of play but had the impact of momentarily flipping the momentum. And unlike Nationals Blue, who failed to capitalize on their chances, Lonestar struck quickly for 2-1. It was Newell again, this time shielding one defender to receive a Gracie Ruthven throw-in, then flicking it over another before executing a perfect half-volley into the back of the net.

It was a moment of brilliance worthy of winning any game, let alone a national final.

Nationals Blue pushed for the equalizer, but the backline of Ruthven, Guion, Peters, and Kayla Pelter held to limit clean looks on goal. And when an equalizer was scored by Devyn Raymond, it was ruled out by the referee.

The final whistle cemented an impressive run for a team that earned the title through a formidable defensive foundation that conceded just three in six playoff games.

Player of the Match: Finley Newell, Lonestar Red

Tournament MVP: Sloane Guion, Lonestar Red

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