Through the run to the title, the 09 TopHat Gold team kept one clean sheet, and the timing could not have been better in a 1-0 championship victory over a potent Michigan Jaguars offense.

This was a game of momentum, with the difference being that the Georgia-based squad took advantage of its limited opportunities. The championship-winning goal came just six minutes into the match as Ana Ramos found Emily Baxter, who played a 1-2 with Bristol Kersh, then passed to Chloe Layfield, who sprayed the ball out wide to Ava Hidalgo, who delivered a perfect cross that Layfield did well to recover and finish after an initial mishit. It was a selfless and brilliant team goal for an offensive unit that showcased elite chemistry throughout the tournament.

As expected, the Jaguars, who entered with ten goals scored in just three games, responded with several quality chances to find an equalizer. The attacking trio of Lila Megyesi and her strong hold-up play, Lauren Bambenek with direct dribbling, and game-breaking speed from Jovienne Kasgorgis put the TopHat backline under consistent threat for the remainder of the half, but Natalyah Felton proved unbeatable. The highlight came in a 30-second stretch where the captain delivered two athletic saves to stop well-struck efforts from Lyla Wold and Molly McGuire.

The closest the Jaguars would come to an equalizer was an impressive looping effort from Shea Klacking that evaded Felton but struck the crossbar twice. TopHat threatened on the occasional counter, but Chiara Webster did well in the Michigan backline to frustrate and prevent Kersh from getting loose on the break as she had all tournament.

A similar template would play out in the second half, with the Jaguars controlling possession but unable to find an equalizer. This time, it was the center-back duo of Ashley Scott and captain Paxton Battagila that stepped up to the plate, denying any clean looks before the final whistle blew, cementing an impressive victory and clean sheet over a Jaguars team that had scored in all 14 Girls Academy games played this season.

With two of the best rosters in the country, both squads will be among the favorites for the national trophy this summer.

Player of the Match: Natalyah Felton, TopHat Gold

---

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

GA U15 Champions Cup: TopHat Defense Wins

GA U14 Champions Cup: Lou Fusz Spark

Club Soccer Standouts: March 8-9