Gotham FC, Portland Thorns set for debuts in W Champions Cup

MIAMI – The 2024/25 Concacaf W Champions Cup continues with the second match week of the group stage two NWSL sides make their debuts in the competition.

Portland Thorns and NJ/NY Gotham FC join the tournament for their opening encounters as part of doubleheaders on Wednesday and Thursday. LD Alajuelense and Club América Femenil will seek to build on their first wins.

Santa Fe FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Following its debut against San Diego Wave, Santa Fe FC will seek its first victory against Vancouver Whitecaps FC in Group B on Wednesday at Estadio Universidad Latina in Penonomé, Panama.

The Panamanian club lost 2-nil at home against San Diego in the opening week of the group stage. Despite the loss, defender Maria Murillo had a strong performance, making five clearances and contributing half of her team’s shots. Goalkeeper Yenith Bailey made four saves to keep the scoreline within reach.

After winning the Preliminary Round, the Vancouver Whitecaps lost their group stage debut against Club América. Bridget Mutipula stood out with seven recoveries in the team’s defeat in Mexico City.  

Portland Thorns vs. Club América Femenil

Making its debut in the W Champions Cup, Portland Thorns will welcome Club América Femenil in Group B on Wednesday at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon, USA.

Portland Thorns will feature Sophia Smith, who helped the United States to a gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Canadian women’s national team star Jessie Fleming, and 18-year-old Olivia Moultrie, a rising star with the U.S. and part of the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup championship squad.

América Femenil will retake the field in search of its second victory. Among the goal scorers from the first matchday is Player of the Match Sarah Luebbert, Nicolette Hernandez, who participated in two goals, and Kimberly Rodriguez, who had the most passes (60) and recovered balls (three).

LD Alajuelense vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC

LD Alajuelense will host NWSL champions Gotham FC in Group A on Thursday at Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto in Alajuela, Costa Rica.

The Costa Rican champions will feature the likes of Angela Mesen, who scored twice in the 5-nil win against Frazsiers Whip. Maria Paula Coto, who scored the first goal for her club, and Natalia Mills, who created two goals, will also be present to help their team search for a second victory.

Gotham FC will debut away from home with some of the world’s top players among its ranks. FIFA Women’s World Cup Winners Ester Gonzalez, Rose Lavelle, and Kelley O’Hara will look to help the American club to its first international trophy.

CF Monterrey Femenil vs. Frazsiers Whip

After losing in their debuts, Monterrey and Frazsiers Whip will look to bounce back when the two meets in Group A on Thursday at Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

Monterrey will look to overcome its loss in the Clasico Regio against Tigres UANL to start the tournament. Nicole Perez and Pamela Tajonar will look to earn the team’s first victory in the tournament and get back on track in hopes of contending for the title.

Frazsiers Whip will face a new challenge in search of its first three points. The team made seven shots within the first five minutes of their opening encounter. Lotoya Powell was responsible for four of those attempts and will be a player to watch as the Jamaican side seeks to rebound with its first point. Italya Robinson, a young star in the making at 16, made three saves in the opening encounter.