MOUNT VERNON, Ohio. - The first ever NOSL women's season concluded last Saturday evening, July 22 at Mount Vernon Nazarene University's CH4 Stadium as Delaware Rising FC claimed the first-ever women's title, defeating The City of Ohio SC 2-1 after extra time.

The City of Ohio started the game off as the more dangerous team and had plenty of scoring chances early on, but their chances were thwarted by DRFC goalkeeper Brianna Rogers. After 45 minutes of high action, the game was scoreless heading into halftime. Delaware Rising FC opened the scoring just three minutes into the second half when the ball was handled in the area by a City of Ohio defender. Kindall Duke stepped up and converted the penalty to give her team the 1-0 lead.

As the game neared completion, it seemed as though the 1-0 scoreline would hold and be enough for Delaware Rising to claim the victory. But with desperation settling in, The City of Ohio had one last try in stoppage time to find the equalizer as Kenna Poptic launched a free kick into an overly-crowded area in front of the Delaware Rising goal. The ball took a deflection and was directed into the goal by City's Sandy Findley to make it 1-1 with what was the last action of normal time. 

In the 111th minute in extra time, Delaware Rising forward Payje Wilson was chasing a bouncing ball in the box when she was taken down by a City of Ohio defender's challenge, resulting in the referee pointing to the spot for a penalty. Sarah Gundler calmly struck the spot kick past the goalkeeper to ensure her team would be lifting the trophy. With the 2-1 lead, Delaware Rising's defense held out for the remaining nine minutes until the referee blew his whistle, which was the cue for celebrations to begin for the Delaware Rising players, staff, and fans. With the victory, Delaware Rising will go down in history as the first women's champions in NOSL history.

After the celebrations died down, the NOSL honored DRFC forward Rachel Austin, the league's Most Valuable Player from the regular season. Austin scored six goals and provided three assists throughout the campaign and helped her team to its first trophy.

The inaugural NOSL Women's Final was a success as fans were treated to a thrilling match that went all the way to extra time. Between the men's and women's matches, the total attendance at CH4 Stadium for the evening was over 315.