International break is over and we’ve returned to Liga MX Femenil action where the goals were plenty and the growth continues. Here are the highlights of Week 8.
America’s offense is the real deal. One of this series’ most consistent talking points this season and with good reason. America currently sits in 3rd place with 19 points and star signings Katty Martinez and Scarlett Camberos currently hold the third and sixth place spots in the golden boot race with a total 12 goals between the two of them. That plethora of goals have proven favorable to the Lady Aguilas who only have one draw and one loss within these first eight games, currently holding a five-game winning streak. It’s too early to determine whether this winning mentality will translate over to the playoffs but the top-heavy quality could secure America a home-field advantage when the time is right.
Rayadas is unstoppable. The championship momentum hasn’t worn off at all. Eva Espejo’s squad continued their unbeaten streak this past weekend with a dominating 5-1 win. Going up against a faltered Atlas granted Monterrey the favorites before the whistle even blew but the way they have taken over this season game after game is indicative not just of the system Espejo has formed, but of the camaraderie the team shares. Monterrey currently has four players in the Top 10 of the golden boot race with only two of those players being designated forwards: Desiree Monsiváis with seven goals and Christina Burkenroad with four goals. Midfielder Diana Garcia and defender Rebeca Bernal round out the list with four goals each respectively with careful attention to Bernal who is the epitome of Espejo’s system. With this great run, it’s hard to imagine Rayadas losing any of their next few matches.
The fruits of the league’s labor are reaping. It was never meant to happen overnight but it is finally happening. All the investment that is finally being made into Mexican women’s soccer is reproducing itself on the international level. Now, it is still early to expect a World Cup title or attempt to crown the women’s side the “Queens of CONCACAF” but it doesn’t feel as far away as it used to be. A dominating CONCACAF W cycle for the senior side without any goals conceded featured a versatile squad that included some of the top talent in Liga MX Femenil and the youngsters that are also joining the clubs’ academies or that have been playing for their first teams for years are showing that the future in bright in the current U20 Championship. The way things are looking, we might very well see a senior side return to World Cup action and continue on that trend for years to come.