Week three is set to kick off on Friday when Cruz Azul hosts Atlante Fútbol Club Femenil.
Here’s everything you need to know about week two:
Club América is soaring
Banorte Stadium – better known as Azteca Stadium – opened its doors for the women’s team in what was their home season debut. More than 17,000 fans witnessed what was one of the greatest Eagles’ wins in their history.
It was the fourth minute when Venezuelan international Gaby García opened the scoring. The team’s captain, Scarlett Camberos, added one in the 12th
minute. Then Brazilian international Geyse Ferreira scored another in the 38th. Kim Rodríguez made it 4-0 before halftime.
Three minutes into the second half, wonderkid Montse Saldívar tallied her first of the night, scoring a brace three minutes later. Then Geyse also registered a brace in the 62nd. Midfielder magician Irene Guerrero also put her name on the scoreboard. Striker Priscila da Silva showed she’s back and healthy from her injury, scoring a brace herself.
Final score for the Eagles: 10-0 and top of the table in group B.
After watching Tigres with an 8-0 result in week 1, we thought that was going to be the highest goal-scoring in the tournament. Nonetheless, América showed that they are determined to be the best team this season and made a strong statement.
Cruz Azul’s grim present and a new beginning?
After the 10 goals América scored on them in week two, the biggest loss of the club’s history, they decided to sack coach Israel del Real and put Guadalupe “Lupita” Worbis as interim head coach. So far, they have 11 goals against after playing only two games.
They’ll look to bounce back next Friday when they play Atlante, another team that comes to this match with a loss.
What is going on with Pachuca and Tigres?
Even though these two teams are always contenders, their start of the season hasn’t been as expected. In the case of Pachuca, they have only gotten one point out of six available (a loss against Juárez and a draw against Atlas).
The truth is, the team has been decimated in these first two weeks. Chinwendu Ihezuo and Ohale Osinachi have been unavailable due to their national team’s commitments with Nigeria in WAFCON. Additionally, some key players such as Andrea Pereira, Natalia Mauleón and Alexandra Godínez have left.
While people start to question coach Óscar Torres and trust that Charlyn Corral will find the back of the net again, the team gets ready to face Pumas next Saturday.
On the other hand, we have Tigres, who ran over Puebla in their season debut (8-0) and then won against León. They have a +9 goal difference before entering week three. However, that win was not convincing enough for many since they had to come back after León scored first in the first half and only got the win in stoppage time. León also had the chance to double the lead through a PK that Rubí Soto missed.
The Amazonians got a win, but fans weren’t convinced since they expected a continuation of the win against Puebla in week one. Moreover, it is rumored that Jenni Hermoso won’t come back and the lack of significant signings is making fans question how invested the club really is in their women’s side.
It will be interesting to see what they can do next against Juárez, a team that lately has been a pain for them. An interesting stat says that even though history is on Tigres’ side, they haven’t been able to get more than one win in the last seven matches between these two clubs (1-2-4).
Christina Burkenroad retires
It’s been a heck of a ride for Christina Burkenroad with Rayadas de Monterrey. She is retiring after six and a half years, having played 247 matches, scored 118 goals and won three titles.
She arrived at the club in 2020 after playing for NWSL’s Orlando Pride, Norway’s IK Grand Bodø, and Sparta Praga.
The 33-year-old is the second-top goalscorer in the club’s history, only behind Desirée Monsiváis (122).
Elsewhere in the league
Chivas, Rayadas and Toluca have had a good start to their seasons. Guadalajara won 4-1 over Puebla and they have the maximum six points out of six available, sitting second in Group B. Las Diablas beat Juárez 2-0 and also have six points and are currently second in Group A’s table. Rayadas beat Atlante 3-1 and also have six points after two games.
