Action from the Liga MX Women’s Cup match between Pachuca (blue/white jersey) and Guadalajara on May 3, 2017, in Toluca, Mexico. (Photo courtesy of Liga MX Femenil)
TOLUCA, Mexico – Women’s football in Mexico took a momentous step in its evolution Wednesday, when the 2017 Liga MX Women’s Cup kicked off at the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol Asociación’s facilities in Toluca.
The 12-team competition, which is a precursor to the launch of a league later in the year, will run through May 6, when the final will be contested at the Estadio FMF.
COPA DE LA LIGA MX FEMENIL 2017
May 3, 2017 Results
Group 1
Toluca 2, Morelia 1
Pachuca 6, Guadalajara 1
Group 2
Monterrey 0, Club America 6
Pumas 4, Tigres 1
Group 3
Club Tijuana 2, Cruz Azul 0
Santos 0, Necaxa 2
Many stars of Mexican women’s football had memorable debuts. Some of the highlights included:
- Dayana Cazares and Betzy Cuevas scored two goals each in Club America’s 6-1 win over Monterrey;
- Karime Abud netted a hat-trick, helping Pumas down Tigres, 4-1;
- Bernice Muñoz struck for three goals as Pachuca topped Guadalajara, 6-1. Yamile Franco added two goals in a winning effort;
The commitment of Liga MX clubs is seen as key to the project’s success, which promises to take football to another level in Mexico. Although the national women’s teams stand to benefit greatly from the collaboration, it’s also an opportunity to develop more technical directors, coaches, administrators and referees.
More importantly, perhaps, it will give fans another reason to enjoy the sport of football.
