Photo: Club América
Club América Femenil triumphed over the Washington Spirit with a thrilling 5-3 victory on Saturday, clinching the 2025-26 Concacaf W Champions Cup title. This match showcased an intense back-and-forth battle, with the Spirit overcoming an early 2-0 deficit to take a brief 3-2 lead before conceding three unanswered goals.
Brazilian forward Geyse was pivotal for América, netting two goals throughout the clash. The decisive moment arrived when Irene Guerrero scored the game-winning goal in the 79th minute, ensuring her team’s lead, while captain Scarlett Camberos sealed the victory with a fifth goal in stoppage time.
This monumental win not only awarded América the championship trophy but also secured their place in the 2027 FIFA Champions Cup and the 2028 Club World Cup, joining the ranks of European champions FC Barcelona, who claimed their title earlier that same day.
Leading up to the final, América had already proved their mettle by winning the Liga MX Femenil Clausura title just a week prior. They continued their impressive form by overwhelming reigning NWSL champions Gotham FC 4-1 in the semifinal, culminating in their historic final victory over the Spirit.
The scoring began in the 22nd minute when Aylín Aviléz found the net thanks to a precision pass from Camberos. Just five minutes later, Geyse doubled the lead, putting the pressure on the Spirit.
However, the Spirit responded tenaciously. Forward Sofia Cantore pulled a goal back with a stunning long-range shot in the 30th minute. Following halftime, Rosemonde Kouassi scored quickly to give Washington the lead at 3-2, but the advantage was short-lived.
<pIn a moment of misfortune for the Spirit, goalkeeper Sandy MacIver mishandled a clearance under pressure from Geyse, allowing the Brazilian to deflect the ball into the net, equalizing the match. With only 18 minutes remaining, second-half substitute Guerrero secured the lead for América, and Camberos finished off the scoring when she converted another assist from Geyse.
<pCamberos was duly recognized as the player of the tournament, while Kouassi emerged as the top scorer with six goals throughout the competition. As the Spirit look forward to their next challenge, they aim to qualify for the 2027 Concacaf W Champions Cup, a pathway that could also lead them to the inaugural Club World Cup in 2028.
<p"We're committed to evolving from this experience. The goal is to continue reaching finals, and I believe we'll win championships in the future," said Spirit head coach Adrián González, reflecting on the team’s resilience and ambition.
