It was fitting that Real Salt Lake legend Nick Rimando learned he would be receiving the highest honor in American soccer right where he earned it: on the pitch.
Bountiful junior Siaki Fekitoa ran for 255 yards and four touchdowns in a back-and-forth 5A state title game to bring home the first championship in his lifetime for the Redhawks.
The spotlight at the Delta Center was fixed on a visiting player during Monday's matchup between the Utah Hockey Club and top-four Washington Capitals.
The California Bay Area native arrived in Utah in 2022 from USL Championship club El Paso Locomotive and had a breakout 2024 season with 12 assists and eight goals.
Hannah Betfort got one back in the 74th minute on an assist by Kate Del Fava to give Utah some hope, but Esther Gonzalez scored a quick brace in the 77th and 84th minutes to run away with the win for Gotham.
The Panthers led 40-0 at halftime and added four more touchdowns in the second half to score the most points in a 5A playoff game since East High scored 70 in 2022.
Diego Luna equalized for RSL in the 73rd and then a cross from Alex Katranis got a favorable touch and bounce for an own-goal game-winner in the 83rd minute.