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In a thriller of a final, South Carolina Surf found an overtime winner to stop Pipeline SC from repeating as national champions. It marks the conclusion of a remarkable turnaround for a Surf squad that started their playoff journey with a loss in the group stage.

The match began with James DeLuca living up to his captain status as his shot from a failed clearance gave the Surf a lead just two minutes in. It concluded an early run of play where Pipeline could not match the energy of their opponents.

And if that was not a wake-up call, what happened later in the half certainly was. Surf midfielder Briggs Gwozdo found space at the base of midfield in a relatively nonthreatening position until he unleashed a 40-yard rocket arrowed straight into the top corner. It was a jaw-dropping world-class goal, sending the crowd into a frenzy and Pipeline searching for answers.

Halftime could not have come at a better time for a Pipeline team in desperate need of a change in intensity. Whatever was said at that intermission did wonders in changing the momentum. The first inclination came from Michael Leming striking his volley off the post after an excellent cross from Alex Whitt. Minutes later, a flicked header bounced off the opposite post as the Surf held on desperately.

The Pipeline momentum proved too much to withstand as a furious 90-second flurry saw the defending champions score twice. The first goal came from a Valentino Quaranta corner headed by Ryan Broome to force an athletic point-blank save from Garrett Patterson, only for Leming to stab home the rebound. Moments later, it was Leming again as his 50/50 header following a Quaranta corner resulted in a strikingly composed turn and finish from Austin Roberts in the crowded 18-yard box.

It looked like Pipeline would grab a winner in the closing moments of regulation but to no avail. Quaranta, in particular, showed intelligent movement to manufacture a few solid looks but could not capitalize. That ultimately proved costly as with a few minutes left in overtime, Roy Johnson delivered a brilliant cross from midfield and onto the head of Thomas Beasley to beat the on-rushing keeper. It was a well-worked game-winner worthy of sealing a championship. Quaranta would again have another chance to equalize with a well-struck close-range volley, but Patterson was there to equal his attempt.

Player of the Match: Briggs Gwozdo, South Carolina Surf

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