The 2024 UWS National Championship final was a thrilling contest between two of the league's original founding teams: the Santa Clarita Blue Heat and the New England Mutiny. Held at the picturesque All High Stadium in Buffalo, New York, the match was an intense physical battle from start to finish, showcasing the skill, determination, and resilience of both teams.

The action began early with the Blue Heat striking first in the 12th minute. Liz Worden took a free kick that ricocheted off the crossbar, landing perfectly for Emilie Castagna, who calmly slotted the ball home, putting Santa Clarita up 1-0. The early goal set the tone for a match that would be fiercely contested throughout.

The remainder of the first half saw both teams creating opportunities, though none were particularly threatening until the 44th minute. A deflected pass found its way to 15-year-old Mila Dillard of the Mutiny, who seized the chance, firing a shot that deflected off a Blue Heat defender and into the net to level the score at 1-1. The goal was a crucial equalizer just before halftime.

However, the Blue Heat suffered a significant setback during the first half when their captain and defensive stalwart, Chloe Castaneda, was forced to leave the game following a tough 50/50 collision. Her absence raised questions about how Santa Clarita would cope without their key leader in the second half.

As the second half commenced, the physical and fast-paced nature of the match continued. The New England Mutiny started to find their rhythm, pressing forward with increasing danger. In the 60th minute, they brought on Chioma Okafor to add a new dimension and pace on the left flank. The substitution paid off ten minutes later when Alexis Legowski made a powerful run from the defensive half and found Okafor. The dynamic forward expertly controlled the ball shifted it to her left foot, and fired it into the net, giving the Mutiny a 2-1 lead.

Santa Clarita, undeterred, responded in the 76th minute. Cameron Valladares rose to the occasion, heading in a precise cross from Liz Worden to equalize at 2-2. With both teams giving their all, the match remained deadlocked at the end of regulation time, necessitating a penalty shootout for the second consecutive year.

The shootout began with Santa Clarita's Castagna confidently converting her spot-kick, followed by Peric's successful attempt for the Mutiny. Liz Worden, despite her influential role in set-pieces throughout the match, failed to convert her penalty. However, Tatum Wynalda and Amanda Perez made no mistakes, keeping the Blue Heat in contention. The Mutiny saw successful conversions from Klingensmith, Dillard, and Mutton, gaining a 4-3 advantage.

McKenna Whitham kept Santa Clarita's hopes alive by converting her penalty, setting up a crucial kick for Mutiny’s Sam Breton, who unfortunately missed, sending the shootout into sudden death. Both Raibon and Okafor converted for their respective teams, maintaining the tension. Ariana Salvador stepped up next for the Blue Heat and scored, putting the pressure on the Mutiny’s captain, Rachel Marchini. Despite her solid play throughout the match, Marchini missed her penalty, securing a 6-5 victory for Santa Clarita in the shootout.

The Santa Clarita Blue Heat were crowned the 2024 UWS National Champions, celebrating a hard-fought and well-deserved victory. The event, expertly hosted by FC Buffalo, highlighted the league's talent and competitive spirit, making All High Stadium the perfect venue to conclude a remarkable summer of soccer.