Minnesota Thunder Academy wins G17 Elite Series

An all-American derby as Puma Trophy teams Minnesota Thunder Academy and FCNE face off in the final.

It was a full-on American showdown in the G17 Elite Series final as Minnesota Thunder Academy took on FCNE at Gamla Ullevi on Saturday afternoon. Two strong teams that had shown quality and consistency throughout the tournament battled for the title in a match filled with tactical finesse, intensity, and raw emotion.
– I have no words to describe this feeling — it’s completely surreal. All our hard work has led to this moment, said Madeline Schillings, match-winner and named the team’s MVP.

The first half was characterized by cautious and tactical play, with both teams showing great respect for one another. Clear scoring chances were rare, but the tension steadily grew, and the scoreboard still read 0–0 at halftime.
– After the first half, it was very evenly matched, so we knew we had to come out with new energy and pressure, said Madeline Schillings.

That shift came shortly after the break, when Schillings found the back of the net with a well-placed finish that gave Minnesota Thunder the lead. The goal turned out to be the only one of the match — and the one that secured the G17 Elite Series title for Minnesota Thunder Academy.