In the Women’s Football Alliance (WFA) final, the Renegades proved to be the best team in the USA in the second half and clinched their fifth consecutive championship at the end of the match. St. Louis Slam lost the game 35-7 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.

The start of the Women’s Football Alliance (WFA) final for the Boston Renegades was not the best possible. Both teams had made it to the final without any losses. St. Louis Slam managed to disrupt the Bostonians’ offensive machine at the beginning of the match, halting drives and even securing an interception. St. Louis’ quarterback Jada Humphries, who led Slam’s 130-yard rushing attack in the first half, made a 50-yard run past the Renegades’ defense and put Slam in a 0-7 lead in the second quarter.

The Renegades returned the kickoff to the midfield. Tytti Kuusinen kept the chains moving in a crucial 4th and 1 situation. The team opened their scoring account and leveled the game when former basketball star quarterback Allison Cahill threw a 25-yard pass to Stephanie Pascual, who broke tackles and reached the end zone about four minutes before the end of the second quarter.

Darcy Leslie intercepted St. Louis’ Jaime Gaal’s pass. QB Cahill found Chanté Bonds alone in the end zone, and the Renegades went into halftime leading 14-7. St. Louis Slam had a couple of opportunities to attempt field goals but failed in these attempts.

The Renegades’ strong second half was built on a solid defensive performance. Time after time, they were able to stop St. Louis’ advances. At the beginning of the third quarter, Renegades’ primary runner Tytti Kuusinen made a 4-yard rush to the end zone, extending the Renegades’ lead to 14 points at 21-7. The second ball carrier, Ruth Matta, scored a 10-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter, bringing the Renegades to a 28-7 lead.

Renegades tightened their defensive screws even further against Slam in the fourth quarter, forcing them into 3rd and long situations, which dampened St. Louis’ comeback efforts. The final score of the game, 35-7, was made a couple of minutes before the final whistle by Latoya Saulters. The Renegades thus sealed their fifth consecutive championship, and head coach Johnson received a cold Gatorade shower.

Boston’s defensive powerhouse, DL Whitney Zelee, was awarded the game’s MVP.

Finn power –  rb Tytti Kuusinen & dl Minna Lehtinen.

The newly crowned champions commented on the game during the long road trip from Ohio to Boston in the afterglow of the celebration.

Tytti Kuusinen:

–As expected, the game turned into a tough battle. St. Louis had studied our offense carefully and defended aggressively against both our running and passing plays, so every yard had to be truly earned. However, our confidence in our own performance never wavered, even when St. Louis briefly took the lead with the opening touchdown. Our defense and special teams played crucial roles in the game, providing good field positions for the offense. I feel that the team’s fifth consecutive championship came through strong teamwork and determined effort. It’s a great honor to be part of this team!

Minna Lehtinen:

-On the defensive side, we were able to adapt to St. Louis’ playing style, and our confidence in our own performance didn’t waver, despite St. Louis making the game’s first touchdown and making commendable progress on the field. On the field, we saw the same things from St. Louis that we had scouted from the film, so there was no need for major adjustments during the game. It was enough that each defender executed their own responsibility. The special teams played an excellent game, and the offense continued its consistent performance in the final game.

Elli Metsola celebrated  the WFA’s Division II championship in Canton

Yet another Finn was on a winning streak in the USA. In the WFA’s Division II final, Finnish player LB Elli Metsola secured the victory playing for the New York Wolves.

Watch the highlights of the championship game on ESPN2 channel.