Tigres Femenil fell one step short of glory in the first edition of the Concacaf W Champions Cup 2025, after losing 1-0 to Gotham FC in the final played at the Universitario Stadium.
The team from Monterrey, who were the better side for several periods of the match, failed to convert their chances, while the U.S. team capitalized on a second-half penalty to win the title and secure their ticket to the 2028 Women’s Club World Cup.
Auriazul domination, but no goal
From the start, Tigres Femenil showed greater control of the ball and generated the best chances.
Lizbeth Ovalle and Alexia Delgado connected well down the right flank and in the 15th minute, Ovalle came close to opening the scoring with a shot that grazed the post.
Mexican goalkeeper Itzel Gonzalez was key in stopping a double attempt by Gotham in the opening minutes, including a penalty kick at the end of the first half by Midge Purce.
This was after a foul by Anika Rodriguez. Even the counterattack was saved, maintaining the tie until halftime.
Gotham takes the lead
In the second half, Tigres Femenil showed greater defensive vulnerability.
Errors at the start and a loss of accuracy in midfield allowed Gotham to play longer in opposition territory.
Although Itzel again made a great save on a shot by Esther Gonzalez, in the 78th minute the game-changing play came:
Jimena López committed a foul inside the area and the second penalty kick of the game was awarded.
Esther Gonzalez took the shot, and although Itzel Gonzalez saved the first shot, the Spanish attacker took advantage of the rebound to score the only goal of the game.
Tigres Femenil tried to react in the final minutes, with a dangerous shot by Jheniffer Cordinali at 83′, but the U.S. defense deflected it away.
No ticket to the Club World Cup
With this defeat, Tigres Femenil missed the chance to represent CONCACAF in the first Women’s Club World Cup to be held in 2028.
Tigres Femenil came one step away from glory
QuéOnnda.com
For the regias, the runner-up finish is painful, but their participation in this historic first edition of the tournament also cemented their place as one of the continent’s women’s soccer powers.
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