The Concacaf W semifinals, the continental competition, were played on Wednesday night. Washington Spirit got their ticket to the final with a late goal, while Club América carried some champions’ magic and beat Gotham.
Gotham vs Club América
Both teams arrived at this game with congested schedules. Gotham played last Friday against Seattle, while América played the championship final last Sunday. The Mexican team didn’t have much time to celebrate because they needed to stay focused for this semifinal.
Concentration and
verticality in their game paid off for the Eagles. They opened the score in the 21st minute through captain Scarlett Camberos, who ended up scoring a hat trick.
Gotham was forced to make a halftime substitution when, before the end of the first half, Camberos had a collision with goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger in a 50/50 ball. She was stretchered off the field and had to be taken to the hospital. The club hasn’t updated on her status yet.
Shelby Hogan had to suit up but Mexico’s champion was far from over. Despite the equalizer Esther González found in the 48th minute, Geyse combined with Camberos to put the Mexicans ahead again and then the Brazilian helped Aylin Avilez to score the third goal. Camberos put the nail in the coffin in the 89th minute from the penalty spot.
It was a team effort but leaving Camberos’ hat trick aside, Geyse had a great match, registering three assists. After Gotham left them out of the previous Champions Cup, the roles were reversed this time.
Pachuca vs Washington Spirit
The other semifinal was more even. A lone goal was enough to send the Spirit to the final. Who scored? Young Paraguayan sensation Claudia Martínez in the 80th minute.
Although Pachuca battled and didn’t stay in a low block, they actually displayed their game throughout the field, Washington did well absorbing the pressure and their defense stayed organized.
Martínez’s goal was scored in a transition play. Although Esthefanny Barreras blocked the initial shot, the rebound benefited Martínez and her defense couldn’t get their in time to clear the rebound, giving Martínez the chance to hit that ball home.
With not much time left, Pachuca pushed for the equalizer but the Spirit stayed organised, leaving the Mexican team with little to no chance of forcing PKs.
The final
The teams won’t have much time to rest before playing the final, which is happening next Saturday.
Besides continental glory, the winner will book a ticket for the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2027, a tournament composed of six elite teams, including UEFA Champions League and Copa Libertadores winners.
Also, they’ll secure a spot in the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup that is set to be played in 2028. The 19-team Club competition has 2.5 slots for Concacaf, and either Washington or América can secure one this Saturday.
