Fort Lauderdale, Fla. - The San Diego Wave FC dominated the inaugural North American World Sevens Football Tournament on Sunday, finishing unbeaten and sealing the championship with a decisive 3–0 win over Mexico’s Tigres UANL. The victory earned the club a $2 million payout.

The Sevens tournament offered a fast style of play that favored the Wave. The pitch in Sevens is half the size of a typical field, the halves are only 15 minutes, and rolling substitutions allow players to go full tilt while on the pitch.

The Wave’s ability to quickly maneuver in this confined space allowed them to connect in ways that drew on their strengths. During the regular NWSL season, the Wave were first in number of passes (14,291) and pass accuracy (85%). And, although they finished second in long-ball accuracy (49%) they were last in number of long-ball passes attempted, meaning that they fed on short accurate passes all season long. With the smaller field and shorter halves, the sevens set-up matched up perfectly to the team’s expertise. It was as if the rules of Sevens were made for them.

“We get really short connections, and love to play really quick, fast passes,” Wave FC defender Kennedy Wesley said before the tournament. “We have a really creative, technical and kind of gritty group all at the same time. So to be able to encompass everything that we bring to the table and to compete against teams that we haven’t competed against before is really exciting.”

After topping their group in pool play, the Wave stormed through the semifinal with a 5–1 win to reach the championship match. In the final, forward Adriana Leon delivered a brace, two of her three goals in the competition, while Makenzy Robbe added her team-leading fourth. Midfielder Gia Corley was named Breakout Player of the Tournament and goalkeeper Didi Haračić earned the Golden Glove after posting two shut outs, giving up only two goals, and making 12 saves in five matches. In total, the Wave outscored opponents 15–3.

San Diego’s commanding performance with this new format solidifies their status as trailblazers. In 2022, the Wave FC were the first expansion team ever to earn a playoff spot, and they set opening-day and season average attendance records. The championship also blunts the disappointment of its first-round loss in the NWSL playoffs.

By conquering the smaller size of the pitch and capitalizing on this rapid fire style of play, the Wave demonstrated exactly why they emerged as undefeated champions. The team rose to this occasion with standout individual performances that blended their team chemistry that sets them at a high bar for future tournaments.

3-1 Won vs. Deportivo Cali

0-0 Won on penalty kicks vs. Club América

3-1 Won vs. Nacional

Semifinals: 5-1 vs. Flamengo

Finals: 3-0 vs. Tigres