Salmon Bay FC wins 2026 USL W League championship on penalties

The 2026 USL W League Championship concluded in the best possible way: extra time and a penalty shootout. Spectators witnessed a historic finale that had everyone on the edge of their seats.

The USL W League’s 2026 season came to a dramatic conclusion on July 18. Northwest Division champion Salmon Bay FC, in its second league season, met Northeast Division champion Vermont Green FC, which was completing its inaugural USL W League campaign.

Salmon Bay’s second-season rise

Founded as a sister club to Ballard FC, Salmon Bay brings a nature-inspired identity to the USL W League. The club draws on the Salmon Bay Bridge and the Olympic Mountains, rooting its identity in connectivity and transition. Those themes carry onto the pitch, where players develop leadership qualities through the club’s model.

The team’s ownership includes names familiar within the NWSL family: Jess Fishlock, Lauren Barnes, Sam Hiatt and Olivia Van der Jagt.

Vermont Green’s historic first season

From exhibition games to a full season, Vermont Green has come a long way since its inception in 2024. Embarking on a new journey, Vermont Green entered its first USL W League season with the excitement and expectation of success it found in the club’s early stages.

With Sam Mewis helping pave the way, the Greens had a dedicated team and full backing to support a regular-length season. Vermont is a soccer state, raising the stakes for the USL W League and showcasing that the New England area is a region not to be overlooked.

A final decided from the spot

For the league final, Vermont traveled to Seattle looking to put an exclamation point on its debut season. Salmon Bay FC, coming in as the slight underdog, had home-field advantage at Interbay Stadium and wanted to deliver in front of a record-setting crowd.

Salmon Bay struck first in the 78th minute with a brilliant goal from Morgan Manalili, slotting it just beyond the goalkeeper’s reach into the bottom corner. It did not take long for Vermont to rally back, leveling the score on a volley by Louisa Thomsen to keep the Greens’ hopes alive.

At the end of regulation, neither team had claimed the title. Entering extra time, both teams created chances, but nothing would break the deadlock. Penalty kicks would decide the 2026 USL W League Championship.

The teams prepared for the ultimate mental challenge. One by one, the anticipation grew as each team scored, matching the other. The storyline changed dramatically after a missed opportunity by Vermont, putting Salmon Bay in control of its own destiny.

The final score read Salmon Bay 5-4 in penalties, and in its second season with the USL W League, the club took home its greatest achievement.

Even though Vermont Green did not win, this little soccer state has much to be proud of. The run gives the club a strong building block for future success within the USL.

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