The first-ever Concacaf W Champions Cup is nearing its conclusion with the semifinal stage, where the remaining four teams will compete for a spot in the final scheduled for Saturday. Mexican Liga MX Femenil powerhouses Club America and Tigres Femenil are set to face NWSL contenders Portland Thorns and Gotham FC, respectively, as they continue their campaigns in this inaugural competition.
The knockout phase of the tournament is being hosted at Estadio Universitario (UNAL) in Monterrey, Mexico. The winners of these semifinals will advance to the championship match. Club America is coming off a second-place finish in the Liga MX Femenil Gran Final, where they narrowly lost 2-3 on aggregate. They will take on Gotham FC, who are currently experiencing a two-game losing streak in the NWSL regular season.
Tigres Femenil have had a break from competitive play since their quarterfinal elimination on April 28. Their recent fifth-place finish in the Clausura season marked their lowest ever in club history, and there are ongoing injury concerns, potentially limiting minutes for key player Jacqueline Ovalle. They are up against a formidable Portland Thorns side that is in excellent form, even without Sophia Wilson who is on maternity leave. The Thorns appear to be the most in-form team returning to the tournament since matches were last held in October 2024.
Here’s a look at the key storylines, match details, and more:
Concacaf W Champions Cup Schedule
Wednesday, May 21
All times Eastern
- Club America vs. Gotham FC, 7:30 p.m.
- Tigres Femenil vs. Portland Thorns, 10:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 24
- Third place match: TBD vs. TBD, 7 p.m.
- Champions Cup final: TBD vs. TBD, 10 p.m.
Path to Semis
The four semifinalists topped their respective groups following a round-robin group stage involving five teams per group. Tigres dominated Group A, finishing undefeated with three wins and one draw, accumulating ten points from last year’s preliminary rounds. Gotham FC secured second place in Group A with two wins and two draws, earning eight points.
In Group B, Club America and Portland Thorns both finished with nine points after four games. However, Club America clinched the top spot in the group stage due to a superior goal differential of +11 compared to the Thorns’ +8.
Players to Watch
Montserrat Saldívar, Club America: This versatile left wingback is vital for Club America and also plays a significant role for Mexico`s U20 team, covering extensive ground. How she is deployed in the match could be crucial. She was instrumental in the club`s run to the Gran Final, scoring eight goals during their campaign.
Midge Purce, Gotham FC: Purce was largely unavailable during Gotham`s group stage matches last year. This season, however, she is back and appears determined. She has been regaining form over the past four weeks, and this semifinal could be the opportune moment for the attacker to deliver a standout performance.
Ana Dias, Tigres Femenil: The Portuguese forward was Tigres` leading goal scorer in the group stage, netting four goals and providing two assists. Given the injury concerns surrounding other Tigres attackers, manager Pedro Martinez might consider starting her to potentially replicate her group stage success.
Caiya Hanks, Portland Thorns FC: The rookie forward is currently enjoying a scoring breakthrough for the Thorns in the NWSL regular season. She has contributed two goals and one assist during the team`s current four-game undefeated streak, demonstrating her impact when given opportunities.
Prediction: Club America vs. Gotham FC
Club America possesses significant talent and recent match sharpness from the Liga MX Gran Final just last week against Pachuca. However, injuries impacted them during their league final run, which could also affect their Concacaf aspirations. On the other hand, Gotham FC is also facing a dip in form lately.
Following an impressive four-game period that saw forward Esther Gonzalez score seven goals and the team secure three wins, both the player and the team have gone cold. Gotham enters the Concacaf semifinal having not won in three games and failing to score any goals in that span.
This match might begin cautiously before opening up later. Ultimately, squad depth could be the deciding factor, and Gotham FC appears to have a slight edge in this regard.
Prediction: Gotham 2, Club America 1
Prediction: Tigres Femenil vs. Portland Thorns
There are numerous uncertainties surrounding Tigres Femenil and how they will fare against a top Portland Thorns side, especially considering they haven`t played competitively in weeks. Tigres undoubtedly have talent throughout their roster, but manager Martinez will be relying heavily on players potentially lacking recent match fitness.
In contrast, Thorns manager Rob Gale has a wealth of options available, including rookies like Caiya Hanks who are making the most of their playing opportunities. The Thorns` current form and depth seem to give them a significant advantage.
Prediction: Portland Thorns 3, Tigres 1
