SportsDonna

As the group stage of the 2025–26 CONCACAF W Champions Cup concluded, match day 5 provided a thrilling end to the first round of competition. Every match had significant effects because each group could only earn two spots for the knockout stage. It was about preserving dominance for established powers like Club América Femenil and Washington Spirit. Making a statement was the goal for desired challengers like Vancouver Rise FC Academy, and they succeeded in doing just that.

Washington Spirit defeated Monterrey Femenil 4-0 in one of the week’s most important games to guarantee their qualification. Gift Monday, Rosemonde Kouassi, and Croix Bethune all scored goals to highlight the team’s offensive versatility and depth. The Spirit, who combine NWSL experience with a global flair, appear to be early favourites for the championship thanks to their pressing style and quick transitions.

In the meantime, Vancouver Rise FC Academy destroyed Alianza FC 8-0, the biggest victory of Matchday 5. Vancouver’s young team dominated from the first whistle when they played at home. Jenna-Lee Baxter’s penalty in the 12th minute followed Seina Kashima’s goal within four minutes. The Canadians led 6-0 at halftime and finished 8-0, with Myla Ewasiuk, Bianca Patik, and others joining the scoring parade. In addition to guaranteeing their place in the knockout stage, the outcome made it clear to the area’s established powers that a fresh competitor is entering the North American women’s football scene.

Club América Femenil and Pachuca Femenil, who depended on experience and tactical control to advance, concluded their groups with polished, composed performances. Chinwendu Ihezuo of Pachuca is still among the tournament’s top scorers, and América’s well-balanced team, led by Kiana Palacios, looks dangerous.

With their well-rounded roster and strong finishing performance, Washington Spirit seem ready for a deep run in the knockout stage, but if they maintain their current momentum, Vancouver Rise might end up being the tournament’s unexpected star. A potential semifinal matchup between those two teams would represent a conflict between youth and experience, and it would be the ideal representation of the changing power structures in CONCACAF women’s football.