Midwest United

For the Midwest/Central Conference title, Midwest United had to beat reigning champions St. Louis SG. They did just that, winning decisively 3-1 and outshooting them 15-6. The team has had an unbeaten record this past season, tying only once and netting 42 goals while only allowing 14. Stephanie Currie is the team’s goal scoring leader with 8 goals over the course of 8 games, with an assist as well. The team assist leader is Avery Lockwood, with 5 assists, not to mention the 4 goals, all over the course of 9 games.

Midwest United is a history rich club located in Western Michigan. Originally founded in 1990 as GRASA, the organization itself was previously connected to the Columbus Crew before seeking independence and rebranding in 2015 to Midwest United. The women’s side specifically was once a part of the Grand Rapids FC organization, winning the championship in 2017, but in late 2019, Midwest United acquired ownership and rebranded to reflect the new era. Professional players Bethany Balcer (OL Reign) and Madison Pogarch (Portland Thorns) also once played for Midwest United (Grand Rapids FC Women) in their victorious 2017 season.

Our player to watch is the team’s goal scoring leader Stephanie Currie, of the University of Toledo. At Toledo, Currie was named to the Academic All-MAC, and started in all of her team’s games, tying for team goal scoring leader with 2 goals out of 15 shots. The left winger is expected to be an integral part of Midwest’s attacking formations,

Connecticut Fusion

Connecticut Fusion bested East Conference title winners, FC Buffalo 2-0, ensuring themselves a ticket to Round Rock’s semifinal matchup against Midwest United. And with them, they’re bringing a roster filled with athletes from D1 colleges such as Penn State, University of Pennsylvania, Boston College, and University of Michigan. The club began operations in January 2018 and are in their third season playing in United Women's Soccer.

Central Connecticut State University alumna Tori Sousa is a player to watch. A two-time all-conference honoree and 2014 Northeast Conference Player of the Year, Sousa is the organization's all-time leader in goals, assists, and matches played. This has been her third season for the Fusion, and she continues to excel as she has career marks of 22 goals, 11 assists in 32 career appearances. She has scored six goals and notched four assists in 10 total appearances (nine starts) this season.

Both National Semifinal games will be played on Friday, July 23 at Round Rock Multipurpose Complex. The first semifinal begins at 6:00 p.m. CT as Midwest United takes on Connecticut Fusion. The second semifinal will follow at 8:30 p.m. CT between San Antonio Athenians and Santa Clarita Blue Heat. The final will be played on Sunday, July 25 at 11:00 a.m. CT.

To watch all of this weekend’s matches, check out Eleven Sports. Keep an eye out also for our preview of the 2nd semifinal match!

By Elisabeth Schendel