The beast that is the East Conference featured 17 teams, ultimately culminating in an eight-team playoff where two coveted spots in the National Championship were up for grabs. In classic East fashion, the race for the playoffs had fans on the edges of their seats, and the playoffs themselves were marked by intense competition, with every game ending with a narrow scoreline. Despite FC Buffalo dominating the regular season with eight consecutive wins, securing the top seed in the playoffs, it was Sporting CT and Lancaster Inferno who emerged victorious in the Union bracket and Patriot bracket, respectively. Given the East Conference’s unique nature, both a first and second team were recognized, alongside the East Conference Awards, which included two Coach of the Year accolades.

The Great Lakes Division consisted of eight teams but evolved into a four-way battle among the Michigan Legends, Michigan Jaguars, Nationals SC, and Michigan Hawks, all vying for the top two spots to play in the Great Lakes Division Championship. The Michigan Legends eventually emerged as the Great Lakes Division Champions finishing the regular season with an unbeaten record of 5-0-2.

The Midwest Division was dominated by newcomers Cincinnati Sirens who concluded the regular season unbeaten with a 7-0-1 record, and went on to represent the Midwest in the Central Conference playoffs, ultimately succumbing to the now-National Champions, the Michigan Jaguars. Consequently, the Sirens have claimed three out of the four esteemed Midwest accolades. Taylor Spiller was honored as the Midwest Conference Goalkeeper of the Year, Kate Drummond secured the Midwest Division Defensive Player of the Year title, and Head Coach Jacob Morrison received the Midwest Division Coach of the Year award. The battle for second place unfolded between UWS regulars, the Indiana Union, and fellow UWS newcomers, Edgewater Castle. However, the dominating offensive prowess of the Union secured their lead, with forward Jenna Lang earning the Midwest Division Offensive Player of the Year.

The West conference came down to the final week of regular season play to determine who would continue on to the National Championship. Santa Clarita Blue Heat and Calgary Foothills both finished the season with 15 points, but Blue Heat’s impressive goal difference propelled them to victory, clinching the title and earning them the honor of representing the West in the National Championship. Blue Heat were triumphant in a close 3-2 game against Lancaster Inferno in the semifinals. However, their journey met a heartbreaking conclusion as they succumbed to the Michigan Jaguars in a penalty shootout. Consequently, the West Conference awards are dominated by SC Blue Heat taking three out of the four acolades. Jordan Brown emerged as the West Conference’s Goalkeeper of the Year, Olufolasade Adamolekun claimed the Offensive Player of the Year, and Leonardo “Luty” Neveleff received the Coach of the Year. The final honor, Defensive Player of the Year, was secured by Grace Stordy of the Calgary Foothills.

The United Women’s Soccer (UWS) national pro-am league today has announced the location of the 2023 UWS National Championship. The four-team event will take place July 22-23 In Santa Clarita, CA, home of the 4 time West Division Champions the Santa Clarita Blue Heat. This will be the second time that the Blue Heat has hosted this event and the first time since 2016.

Many teams concluded their regular season during week nine, with a few matchups scheduled for the early part of week ten. Consequently, week nine featured highly competitive games, with two teams even punching a ticket to the 2023 UWS National Championship.

With the playoffs on the horizon, there is a lot to play for around the league, and with this week settling the dust, we look forward to the playoffs and the National Championship. 

Teams look to finish the regular season strong, while others look to strengthen their sides heading into the playoffs.

Week eight of UWS play lived up to expectations as the postseason draws closer. Several players stepped up for their teams with big performances, either securing their playoff spots or keeping their teams in contention.

Week eight concludes and things heat up ahead of playoffs in the Summer of Soccer.