FC Buffalo Women embracing 'special' opportunity to compete for national title at home

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- FC Buffalo Women head coach Nikki Bartholomew displayed a fitting homage to her club's recent success as she oversaw what was likely the final practice of the team's 2024 season.

Bartholomew has led FC Buffalo Women for each of its four seasons of existence, building a strong culture of success that culminated in four consecutive division titles and a United Women's Soccer national semifinals appearance in 2022. The latter accomplishment was proudly visible on her shirt during practice Wednesday, a reminder of what the team has achieved and what could be ahead in the coming days, as the Wolves will play for a UWS national title this weekend on their home pitch at All-High Stadium.

"I think that experience is huge," Bartholomew said of the team's 2022 national semifinals run. "I'd asked the question (Tuesday) at the end of practice, 'How many over your career have won anything in the category of national championship?' ... And like two hands went up out of 22. This is a big deal, and a core memory that you can create."

FC Buffalo Women finished the regular season with a 6-1-1 record, good for third in the UWS East Conference, but bypassed the conference playoffs and secured a spot in the national semifinals thanks to being named hosts of the league's National Championship Weekend. The three UWS conference champions from around the country will round out the field of four teams and travel to Buffalo for a shot at the league crown.

"It's not every day you get to play for a national championship," said veteran forward and captain Carssima Cutrona, whose five goals this season are joint-most on the squad. "We're really pumped and looking forward to this opportunity."

Cutrona, a former All-American at Williamsville South and All-MAC first-teamer at UB, has been with FC Buffalo Women since the team's inception. While the 28-year-old's attacking prowess played a key role in the team's success this season, the experience she and other veteran players on the roster bring is also crucial, especially entering as high stakes of a game as a national semifinal.

"Being a leader and helping the younger players out and catching them up to speed when we go out on the field is always exciting," said Cutrona, who was UWS' Offensive Player of the Year when FC Buffalo Women last made the national semis in 2022. "Each year we've tried to grow this program and grow this club and in the fourth year now to be a host for the national championship and to be playing in it is really exciting. It's truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

One of those standout younger players is forward Skylar Cornell, who also has tallied five goals for the Wolves this season. The Ohio native is in her first season with FC Buffalo Women, but swiftly acclimated to her surroundings and has embraced her time with the squad.

The Wolves are riding high into the semis after Cornell's biggest goal of the season came in the regular season finale on July 7. The 20-year-old slotted away a penalty kick in the 90th minute to secure a 2-2 draw with Steel City FC, clinching the club its fourth straight division crown.

"I didn't really know anyone coming in to start, so it was a little scary at first, but the team has been amazing and really welcoming," said Cornell, who is entering her junior season with the Canisius University women's soccer team. "It feels like a second home, I love it."

FC Buffalo Women will face a formidable opponent in the semifinals on Friday in West Conference champion Santa Clarita Blue Heat. The California-based team went a perfect 8-0-0 in UWS play this season to go with 31 goals for and just two against.

Despite the challenge, Bartholomew's team is ready to seize an opportunity to propel Buffalo soccer forward on the national stage.

"Being at home is huge," Bartholomew said. "(The supporters' section) always brings it, that group is always fun. But for sure we expect the biggest crowd we've had all season because it's just putting Buffalo soccer on a greater stage. So it's really special."

The full schedule for the UWS National Championship Weekend at All-High Stadium is as follows:

• Semifinal No. 1: Michigan Jaguars vs. New England Mutiny, 5 p.m. Friday
• Semifinal No. 2: FC Buffalo Women vs. Santa Clarita Blue Heat, 8 p.m. Friday
• Final: Winner of semifinal No. 1 vs. winner of semifinal No. 2, 7 p.m. Saturday

You can purchase tickets for the semifinals doubleheader here and for the championship match here ($10 online presale, $15 at the door). The games will also be live-streamed on FC Buffalo's YouTube channel.