Top Moments from the 2024/25 Concacaf W Champions Cup group stage

MIAMI – The group stage in the 2024/25 Concacaf W Champions Cup marked a new chapter in the women’s football history in the region.

Here is a look at the best moments from the opening stage of the inaugural edition:

María Sánchez scores hat-trick versus Portland Thorns

María Sánchez wrote her name in the history books as the first player to score a hat-trick in the W Champions Cup. Down 2-nil to the Portland Thorns, Sánchez led the San Diego Wave to a 3-2 comeback victory in the third matchweek of the group stage.

A conceded penalty opened the door for the second half surge. Sánchez converted the spot kick in the 67' with a left-footed hit into the bottom right corner. She completed her brace in the 69' with a header inside the box to connect on a cross by Delphine Cascarino. Sánchez struck from the penalty spot again in the 85' to deliver the match-winning strike.

Gotham FC scores 21 goals in four matches

Gotham FC had the best offense of the tournament with 21 goals across its four encounters. The defending NWSL champions averaged 5.25 goals per match in the group stage.

The U.S. side started its campaign in matchweek two with a 4-nil victory at LD Alajuelense. In matchweek three, Gotham was kept at bay in a nil-nil draw with CF Monterrey. The offense came alive in a 13-nil victory at Frazsiers Whip in match week four. The club ended its group stage with a 4-4 draw against Tigres UANL Femenil.

Yazmeen Ryan and Lynn Williams led the way with three goals each, from their respective hat-trick performances in Jamaica. Esther González scored the club’s first goal in the WCC and has two goals to her tally.

Christine Sinclair’s last dance

Women’s soccer legend Christine Sinclair added to her legacy in Concacaf tournaments before her impending retirement at the end of the current NWSL season.

The W Champions Cup provided a full-circle moment in Sinclair’s career as she returned to her home province of British Columbia to face her former club Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the final matchweek of the group stage. The Canadian icon scored in the 85’ as part of a 6-nil win for the Portland Thorns, securing a spot for the U.S. club in the W Champions Cup Finals.

The Thorns began its campaign in matchweek two by hosting Club América at Providence Park. Sinclair scored a brace in a 3-1 victory. She struck from outside the box for the opening goal in the 13’ before extending the lead in the 28’, what ended being the match-winning goal.

During a career that spanned over 20 years, Sinclair represented the Canada women’s national team in six FIFA Women’s World Cup appearances. She also helped the nation to a CONCACAF W Championship title and a gold medal at the Summer Olympics.

Club América’s stingy defense

Club América Femenil finished first place in Group A on goal difference over Portland Thorns and San Diego Wave, all with nine points each. América had the best defense of the group stage with only three goals allowed.

Defenders Jocelyn Orejel and Karen Luna, both Best XI selections in the group stage, were key players in helping the Mexican club to three clean sheet performances. Goalkeeper Sandra Paños had three saves in the final matchday to help América maintain the top spot.

Gotham FC and Tigres deliver epic faceoff to determine Group A winner

First place in Group A came down to the final matchweek with an eight-goal thriller. Tigres UANL Femenil held on to the top spot with a 4-4 draw at NJ/NY Gotham FC.

The ball found the back of the net five times in the opening 25 minutes. Neither squad held back on in a matchup between the two highest scoring offenses.

McCall Zerboni struck first for Gotham in the 4’ before Stephany Mayor responded for the visitors two minutes after. Ana Dias gained the Mexican side the lead in the 15’ and again in the 25’ to offset a 21st minute equalizer from Esther González. Delanie Sheehan tied it again for the hosts in the 42’ to send the match 2-2 into the half.

Jacqueline Ovalle scored in the 60’ before Maitane López rescued the draw with a hit off the volley in the 71st minute.

Tigres wins first Clásico Regio in a women’s international tournament

The first week of the Group Stage gave fans one of the best encounters in Group A, with an international version of the Clásico Regio. Tigres UANL Femenil hosted CF Monterrey at the Estadio Universitario in San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo Leon.

Tigres took the first victory at the international level with a 4-nil result. Maricarmen Reyes, Jennifer Hermoso, and Thembi Kgatlana scored in the first half. Cristina Ferral added a fourth goal in the 71’ to put a bow on the victory.