The match was deep into extra time when Alessia Russo, ball at her feet, surged towards the opposition’s goal. With only one defender left to beat, the outcome seemed inevitable - get past her and her side would inevitably be crowned champions.
That defender though was Naomi Girma, Chelsea's new $1.1million (£890,000) signing. Keeping her balance, the centre-back stood tall as Russo advanced into the penalty area. Unfazed by Russo’s step over, Girma retained her balance and stuck out her left leg as the English striker got her shot away.
The ball flew off Girma's leg and out for a throw-in, and 20 minutes later she was celebrating Stanford University’s crowning moment, beating Russo’s North Carolina Tar Heels on penalties, the Stanford centre-back netting the third to pick up the 2019 College Cup.