The 2025 TST Women’s season came to a remarkable end. Sixteen teams kickstarted their journey, dancing with fate in pursuit of the $1 million prize over a span of six days. But only one team remained standing. Ladies and gentlemen, make way for this year’s 7v7 global champions—none other than the US Women’s TST squad. Once again, the American ladies showcased their grit as they secured their second consecutive title. And while it was a relentless team effort that paved the way for their triumph, special praise must go to the rising star, Evelyn Shores.

The NCAA champion netted a crucial million-dollar goal in the US Women’s 3-0 victory over Bumpy Pitch Women FC in the Target Score Time on Monday night. It came after the 2-0 score, where both teams were reduced to 4-on-4. Though it could have been Heather O’Reilly instead of Shores, the former USWNT midfielder rather decided to make a swift pass to the 20-year-old University of North Carolina midfielder inside the box, who neatly struck past the opposition goalie to net the winning goal.

The moment says it all as Evelyn’s strike literally saw the entire US Women’s team and staff swarm up onto the pitch, celebrating wildly. A natural reaction, as they had won a million dollars after all, while also successfully defending their title. As for Shores, she made sure to express her gratitude for being able to step up for the team.

“I feel so surreal. It was such a team effort. This has been so fun all around. I’m just so glad I could help us win it,” Shores said as compiled by The Athletic. Further praising the team effort, the 20-year-old subtly conveyed her special thanks to veterans, including O’Reilly, Ali Krieger, and Carli Lloyd. “They’ve been great this entire week, just getting us in the team, making us feel comfortable,” added the NCAA superstar.

Life has been quite good for Evelyn lately, as this million-dollar strike comes just days after she became the only college athlete to be called into the recently held U.S. U-23 national team camp. It doesn’t end here as the talented midfielder even scored the game-winner against Germany in a May 30 friendly.

Certainly, contesting on a global platform, that too, alongside revered American icons of the beautiful game, surely increases Evelyn’s career aura. And while there’s no guarantee as to who’ll be back for the US Women’s TST squad next season, one thing is for sure—the American ladies will return hungrier than ever.

US Women’s TST will be back next year stronger than ever!

Led by captain Heather O’Reilly, the US Women’s TST has again proved itself as the champion. Despite last year’s win, the 2x World Cup winner didn’t settle, returning for this season with a rather strong lineup featuring names, including Lloyd, Krieger, and Jill Loyden, as well as five players from UNC, who were indeed the crucial chess pieces that the team needed for their win. In fact, it won’t be surprising if they return for next year’s fair with a dream of a potential three-peat!

That only forces one to admit how this seven-a-side, winner-take-all TST tournament has become a fan favorite across the world. Not only is it a platform where rising talents can showcase their prowess, but even retired stars can relive the glory they might have been missing for some time. Who would have thought that an event that was launched a couple of years ago, initially in a coed style, would show such remarkable growth?

No wonder it saw the addition of the women’s division in 2024, with even the teams doubling from 8 to 16 this year. In the third year, TST featured 48 men’s and 16 women’s teams competing on smaller fields with rapid gameplay. The current edition even saw some unique changes in the play, as instead of concluding the game at full-time, they were shifted into “target score time,” where teams shall reach a set score to win.

Players are gradually subbed off until the match finishes—even if it ends in a dramatic 2v2 showdown. Likewise, the tournament also secured major deals, with ESPN broadcasting the games and RBC Wealth Management sponsoring the women’s side. Overall, TST has become the ultimate place for fans and athletes alike to get a never-before-like experience.

For now, we congratulate the US Women’s team for becoming the 2025 TST champions.