As the 2024 UWS season inches closer to its thrilling conclusion, Week 7 delivered a feast of soccer with 31 matches played from June 26th to July 2nd. Teams across the country seized the opportunity to cement their playoff spots and edge closer to the coveted National Championship Weekend. Here's a detailed recap of the action and pivotal moments from this exciting week.

Eastern Conference: Intense Battles and Playoff Clashes

Wednesday, June 26th

 

• FC Buffalo kicked off the week with a decisive 2-0 victory over Flower City 1872, thanks to goals from Izzy Schmidt and Kasia Bak.

Saturday, June 29th
A busy Saturday saw 12 teams in action:

• Albany Rush held Hudson Valley Crusaders to a 0-0 draw.
• NJ Copa FC secured a 4-2 win over Black Mountain Torrent, with standout performances from Taylor Bielan and Emma Sweitzer.
• Coppermine continued their resurgence with a 3-0 victory over Steel United NJ, solidifying their position in the playoff race.
• FC Buffalo earned a crucial 3-0 win against FC Berlin, with captain Carissima Cutrona leading the charge.
• New England Mutiny kept their undefeated streak alive with a 5-0 win over Connecticut Rush, highlighted by Hope Santaniello's fourth goal of the season.
• Sporting CT clinched their playoff spot with a 2-0 win over Maine Footy, dashing the latter's top-six hopes.

Sunday, June 30th

• Flower City 1872 and Steel City FC ended in a 1-1 draw.
• Coppermine United's Maria Romo-Nichols scored a hat trick in a 12-0 rout over New York Magic, with impressive braces from Kale'a Perry, Sheyenne Bonnick, and Oumou Donzo.
• New England Mutiny continued their dominant form with a 7-0 victory over Worcester Fuel FC, led by Madelyn Theriault's brace and assist.

Tuesday, July 2nd

• Alliance edged NJ Copa FC 1-0 in a New Jersey derby.
• Steel City FC moved closer to a playoff berth with a 4-0 win over Erie Commodores, putting them just behind Hudson Valley on goal differential.

 

Midwest Conference: The Race for Representation

Wednesday, June 26th

• Chicago Rush and Firebirds SC played to a 0-0 draw.

Thursday, June 27th

• Legends defeated the Burn 5-0.
• Jaguars secured a 4-0 win over Michigan Stars.

Friday, June 28th

• Elite 14 SC defeated Cap City Athletic 2-0 with goals from Kelly Capoccia and Taylor Meadows.
• Nationals SC kept their playoff hopes alive with a 2-0 win over Troy City WFC, thanks to assists from Madison Slezinski and Lexi Czerwien.
• Indiana Union showcased their strength with a 6-0 victory over Indiana United.

Saturday, June 29th

• Edgewater Castle dominated Chicago Rush 9-1, with Courtney Sengstock scoring a hat trick and Cameron Sengstock contributing two assists and a goal.
• Rockford Raptors edged Firebirds FC in a tough matchup.

Sunday, June 30th

• Nationals SC triumphed 3-2 over Elite 14 SC in a thrilling match, with Jenna Blackburn netting a hat trick.
• Indiana Union defeated Chicago Rush 5-0 on the road.

Tuesday, July 2nd

• Troy City WFC hosted their first UWS match, losing 2-1 to Michigan Stars in a close contest.

West Conference: Blue Heat Dominance

SC Blue Heat had already wrapped up the West Conference title earlier in the week by defeating Calgary Foothills, securing their spot in the National Championship Weekend for the second consecutive season.

Saturday, June 29th

 

• Blue Heat traveled to Las Vegas and secured a 2-0 win over Players SC.

Sunday, June 30th

 

• Players SC hosted FC Arizona, with both teams sharing the spoils in a 2-2 draw.

Looking Ahead

As Week 7 concludes, the excitement builds for the upcoming playoffs. With SC Blue Heat representing the West, the Midwest's representative to be determined, and a fierce battle in the East, the stage is set for a thrilling climax to the UWS season. Stay tuned as the race to California heats up and teams vie for a chance to become national champions.