The Concacaf W Champions Cup (North America’s version of Women’s Champions League) had an exciting semifinal day on Wednesday, May 20, as Club América trounced Gotham 4-1, exacting their revenge from last year’s semifinal when the two clubs met, and the Washington Spirit defeated CF Pachuca 1-0. Youngster Claudia Martínez has been coming up big for the Spirit, not only helping to push the team to victory but also being the sole reason they advanced to the Concacaf W Champions Cup Final.
It was a tight match in the opening 10 minutes, but eventually the Spirit began to dominate in attack.
At the start of added time in the first half, the Spirit created a chance in the final third. Leicy Santos was in the midfield and passed the ball to Hal Hershfelt, who was pushing up the right wing. She sent a low cross to Rosemonde Kouassi, who was positioned in front of the keeper. She one-timed the incoming cross, but goalkeeper Esthefanny Barreras came up with the easy save.
Kouassi found another chance in under a minute. The Ivorian had a 1 v 1 with the keeper and pushed the ball past Barreras. The touch was too heavy to chase down, and there were no teammates in support. A minute later, Trinity Rodman had the same scenario with the keeper but was able to get a shot off. She had power behind it, but not enough finesse, as the ball ricocheted off the post and outside the box.
In the 81st minute, Claudia Martínez broke the deadlock after a mistake by CF Pachuca. After recovering possession in the attacking third, Martínez found herself alone with Barreras. In a familiar 1 v 1 scenario, Martínez took a shot on target that was deflected back to her. The ball took a hard bounce off her body and soared over Barreras, who went to ground after making the save. As the ball came down in front of goal, it took one last touch off a chasing Martínez, who assured the ball crossed the line.
After today’s results, the Washington Spirit will face Club América in the Concacaf W Championship Cup Final. The championship match takes place on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Estadio Hidalgo in Pachuca, Mexico.
-Jon Jones
Photo: James Lyons