48 Men’s teams. 16 Women’s teams. 138 matches. Two $1 million prizes each—The 2025 edition of The Soccer Tournament (TST) followed its usual course—but in a fresh, exhilarating way. Having kicked off on June 4 at Soccer Park in Cary, NC, the six-day 7v7 tournament has unfolded just as fans anticipated. Time seems to have flown by, and now, we’ve reached the final stretch: the championship matches in both the men’s and women’s brackets are set to take place on June 9. Among the finalists is the U.S. Women’s team, now just one win away from claiming the coveted $1 million prize. It’s only natural to wonder about the grit and determination that carried them this far—and who better to capture those emotions than veteran star Ali Krieger?

The former USWNT defender is also competing in the third overall edition of the tournament, which first launched as a coed event in 2023 and is now in its second year as a separate men’s and women’s competition. For the past five days, Krieger and her teammates have given it their all in pursuit of the million-dollar prize and a second championship title. While fans have certainly felt the rising intensity, the former Gotham FC star has been experiencing something even deeper.

In fact, Krieger revealed that the adrenaline rush she felt during the recent TST semifinal against Reunion City Dallas—especially when the game dropped to a dramatic 3v3 in Target Score Time—surpassed anything she’d ever experienced, even during a World Cup match. “I think I was more nervous rather than a World Cup,” began Krieger in the aftermath of her side’s remarkable 2-0 victory over the Dallas team.

“Because at least in the World Cup, first of all, there’s XI vs XI. You have more control because you’re out there playing. So when you’re on the side and you’re either a staff member or a coach or a player who’s not on the field at the moment, it’s so much more difficult because you can only control so much,” added the 40-year-old.

Something about the rules of TST perhaps, but that’s what actually makes it interesting. Even though the 7v7 ended up reaching its 3v3 Target Score Time format, Krieger evidently felt anxious, something which she had never ever felt before. “You’re vocally leading, and that only goes so far. So I think I was a little more nervous because of that,” concluded the 2x World Cup winner.

Then again, the good thing is that the US Women’s have reached the final for the second consecutive time. Notably, they took charge within 13 minutes on the clock as Bella Devey struck from the top of the box to find her second goal of the tournament, courtesy of a corner delivered by Heather O’Reilly that was initially flicked on by Cat Whitehill.

Another goal came during an intense 5v5 showdown during Target Score Time. Goalkeeper Lindsey Harris played a brilliant role during the build-up, having jump-started the decisive play with a quick outlet to Tessa Dellarose, who finished with the outside of her foot into the bottom corner.

Rest, aside from Harris’ outstanding nine saves, Ali Krieger did a remarkable defensive job. All of this was enough for the US Women’s TST to seal the win and book the team’s spot in the final. Tomorrow they’ll rally for a $1 million prize—something which they seem to be quite excited about!

Ali Krieger and Co. will bet on their potential to secure their second TST title

The US Women’s TST will be dancing with fate against Bumpy Pitch Women’s FC tomorrow night, who are rather entering the championship game with an emphatic 1-4 win over Pasha Luxury in the semi-finals. Though one would believe that with last year’s experience and veteran USWNT stars, it’s the American ladies who’ll have their way for the million-dollar prize, Heather O’Reilly isn’t taking any chances.

The fellow TST teammate of Ali Krieger believes there’s still some work to do. “It feels pretty awesome. To quote a former coach of mine when he describes the word potential, he says the definition is ‘You ain’t worth s–t’ yet.’ This team has a lot of potential but there’s still one more game to get it done. So here we go, US Women!” cheered the former USWNT midfielder.

Honestly, a much better and safer play from Heather O’Reilly, as she and her teammates are determined to make history once again. How that unfolds is something we’ll find out tomorrow night!