MIAMI – One of the most competitive leagues in the world crowned their new champion, putting an end to one of the greatest seasons ever in women's football in North America. Meanwhile, in Mexico and Costa Rica, the show is just getting started.
The Portland Thorns were crowned NWSL Champions at Audi Field in Washington DC on Sunday evening, downing the Kansas City Current 2-0, who were playing their first ever final.
With an early goal in the 4’ from Sophia Smith, who became the youngest player to score in a Final and win Final MVP honors, the Thorns broke open the game and would dominate the game from start to end. Kansas City also had their chances throughout the game but were never able to find the back of the net. In the 56’, an own goal from Addisyn Merrick gave the Thorns a two-goal advantage that lasted until the final whistle, making Portland the most decorated club in NWSL history, with now three trophies to their name (2013, 2017 and 2022).
Lifting it high into the DC sky 🏆 pic.twitter.com/NgdlygTyqJ
— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) October 30, 2022
Liga MX Femenil
The semifinalists of La Liguilla of the Liga MX Femenil are set, with four teams ready to fight for a spot in the big Final.
Current champions Guadalajara are now in the Semifinals after defeating Cruz Azul by an aggregate score of 2-1. Alicia Cervantes converted a penalty for a 1-0 Chivas win in the first leg before the 1-1 draw in the second leg in which Carolina Jaramillo scored for Chivas and Ana Becerra for La Maquina.
Club America was the second team that secured their spot in the Liguilla Semifinals, after defeating Tijuana 1-0 in the away game, and then finishing the job at the Estadio Azteca by downing Xolas again 2-0, with scores from Scarlett Camberos and a second half own goal.
Four-time champions Tigres are also in the semifinals, securing their spot after topping Toluca 9-0 on aggregate. Lizbeth Ovalle, Liga MX Femenil Golden Boot winner Mia Fishel, captain Liliana Mercado, Belen Cruz and Stephany Mayor scored the goals in the 5-0 second leg win, making this the most goals scored in the first Liguilla stage.
Monterey turned things around against Pachuca, who won the first game 2-1 with goals from Jenni Hermoso and Monica Alvarado and Rayadas pulling one back from the boots of Diana Evangelista, leaving the second leg wide open. On Monday evening in the return leg, Monterrey captured the series with a 4-0 win on goals from Yamile Franco, Aylin Avilez, Rebeca Bernal and Christina Burkenroad, making them the last semifinalist in this Liguilla.
Liga de Clausura of Costa Rica
With three weeks left of the Liga de Clausura of Costa Rica, the teams keep delivering great performances, with each one of them hunting for a higher position in the table.
Sporting FC reclaimed first place after defeating Suva Sports 4-0 on Monday afternoon. Sonia Rada, Carol Sanchez and Cristin Granados (2) scored to help their team bounce back to the top of the table.
Defending champions LD Alajuelense suffered a setback after CS Herediano won 4-0 on Sunday evening, dropping Alajuelense to third place. Yerlin Rojas (2), Daniela Coto and Diana Vallejos were the goal scorers of the day, helping Herediano reach second place in the table.
Municipal Pococi got the job done by topping Dimas Escazu 3-1 on Monday afternoon. Claudia Nunez, Pamela Elizondo and Sayden Azofeifa helped their team to the three points, while Hillary Porras got one back for the visitors.
