MASL W Stars key United States to third straight Mini Football World Cup

MALI LOSINJ, Croatia – Bolstered by a dazzling array of Major Arena Soccer League Women stars, the United State successfully defended its Women's Mini Football World Cup title this week in dominiating fashion.

In six games, the United States outscored its opponents 28-1 in winning  the2026 title. The U.S won the event's inaugural tournament in 2021 and again in 2024. MASL W Cincinnati Sirens Coach Craig Rhodis has been at the helm for all three cups.

A total of 18 of the team's goal were scored by current MASL W standouts, with Nikki Cox of the Columbus Eagles leading the way with six markers. Anna Evans was the team leader in goals with goals (7) and points (10). In addition, both U.S. goalkeepers play in the league, with Katelyn Kellogg of the Louisville Thunder and Anabelle Hegeman of the Youngstown Nighthawks, getting five total shutouts. 

The tournament's biggest goal, perhaps, came in the semi-finals when the U.S. squeaked by England, 1-0. Erin Yenney, who was also a member of the 2021 and 2024 World Cup winners, scored the game's only goal. She plays for the Louisville Triumph and totaled three goals in the event. 

In the finals the U.S. topped Serbia – who they had beaten in the group stage 4-1 – by a final of 2-0 thanks to a pair of goals from two MASL W all stars. Kaela Dickerman of the Louisville Triumph scored in the first half, with Kenne Kessler of Dallas RPFC closing the scoring early in the second half. Dickerman finished with two goals and two asssits, while Kessler netted a pair in the tournament. 

The United States outchanced Serbia, 21-13, with the U.S. getting 11 shots on goal and Serbia six. 

“Major Arena Soccer League Women is proud to be a showcase for the top small side soccer talent in the entire world,” Commissioner Brian Cushing noted. “A three-peat is simply amazing. The semi-finals and finals were tense, tight, wonderful games that could have gone either way. Our league stars, and stars of the 2021 and 2024 teams, shone the brightest when they were needed the most.” 

Other MASL W players to find the scoresheet over the four-day event included Kelsey Keown (2, Cincinnati Sirens), Christine Zwolski (1, Cincinnati Sirens), Brigit Wilder (1, Cincinnati Sirens), and Ashley Gogolin (1, Columbus Eagles).

In the three other group stage games, the U.S. defeated Costa Rica, 12-0, Czechia 3-0 and Lebanon 6-0.

Eight players were members of the 2024 World Cup team including: Keown, Kessler, Gabby Byorth (Cincinnati Sirens), Yenney, Dickerman, Hegeman and Zwolski.

Major Arena Soccer League Women will kick off its third season of play late this fall with teams in Canada, the United States and Mexico. For the latest in league information, visit www.maslw.com.