Week 2 of the NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup has wrapped up, matching the excitement of the opening weekend! NWSL and LIGA MX Femenil clubs went head-to-head, each bringing their unique talent and football philosophies to the pitch, thrilling fans and viewers alike. Catch all the details here!
For information on schedule and how to watch.
FRIDAY, JULY 26
Group E: Racing Louisville FC 1 (4), North Carolina Courage 1 (5)
Racing Louisville and North Carolina Courage played to a 1-1 draw in the second group stage game of the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup at Lynn Family Stadium. Carson Pickett scored for Louisville in the 66th minute, but Riley Jackson equalized for North Carolina in stoppage time. North Carolina secured an additional point by winning the penalty shootout 5-4. Despite the draw, Louisville remains atop the Group E standings due to goal differential. Racing dominated early with an 8-0 shot advantage in the first 30 minutes but failed to capitalize on several opportunities.
Group D: Chicago Red Stars 0, C.D. Guadalajara 1
The Chicago Red Stars were defeated 1-0 by C.D. Guadalajara in their second match of the Summer Cup. Chicago had several key moments, including early chances from Ally Cook and Taylor Malham, but were unable to find the back of the net. Chivas scored the lone goal just before halftime by Chivas winger Gabriela Valenzuela. Despite the loss, Chicago controlled possession (53% to 47%), looked more dangerous at times, and had more shots and shots on goal than their opponents. Sydney Schneider also made her first NWSL start in goal.
Group B: San Diego Wave 0, Club América 2
San Diego Wave FC lost 2-0 to Club América Femenil in NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup group play at Snapdragon Stadium. San Diego goalkeeper Morgan Messner, making her NWSL debut, made several crucial saves, but Club América scored in the 78th minute with a header from Karen Luna off a corner kick. Kiana Palacios added a second goal in stoppage time to secure the win for Club América. Despite a strong defensive effort, San Diego struggled offensively, managing 12 shots and 4 shots on target compared to América’s 19 shots and 7 shots on target.
Group B: Bay FC 0, Angel City FC 2
Angel City FC secured a 2-0 victory over Bay FC on the road, moving into first place in Group B of the Summer Cup and redeeming their two regular season losses against Bay FC. Claire Emslie opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a goal resulting from Megan Reid's free kick, which deflected off Bay midfielder Dorian Bailey. Emslie then doubled the lead in the 54th minute after receiving a through pass from Messiah Bright. Despite Bay FC's efforts, including several close chances, Angel City's goalkeeper Angelina Anderson kept a clean sheet. The match also marked the professional debut of forward Casey Phair with Angel City.
SATURDAY, JULY 27
Group E: Orlando Pride 2 (5), C.F. Monterrey 2 (4)
The Orlando Pride drew 2-2 at home with C.F. Monterrey Femenil in the first Summer Cup game of the day. Despite falling behind twice after Monterrey stars Christina Burkenroad and Rebeca Bernal scored, the Pride equalized through Alex Kerr, who scored her first professional goal, and Julie Doyle, who netted her first goal of Summer Cup. Kerr’s goal came from a Kylie Strom assist, while Celia set up Doyle. The Pride earned two points by winning the end-of-regulation shootout 5-4, with goalkeeper Sofia Manner saving a penalty and all five Pride players converting. Manner, making her NWSL debut, made three saves during the match. Evelina Duljan and Mariana Larroquette also earned their first starts for the Pride.
Group C: Kansas City Current 3, Pachuca Femeni 0
Kansas City Current maintained their unbeaten record in the Summer Cup with a 3-0 victory over Pachuca at CPKC Stadium. Debinha scored twice in the first half, with goals in the 12th and 28th minutes, and Kristen Hamilton added a third in the 32nd minute. Goalkeeper AD Franch made key saves to preserve the clean sheet, keeping Kansas City at the top of Group C in the process. The match also saw club debuts for National Team Replacement Players (NTRP) Janae DeFazio and Allie Long.
Group A: Utah Royals FC 3, Portland Thorns FC 1
The Utah Royals defeated the Portland Thorns FC with a 3-1 victory in the final Summer Cup match of Saturday. Hannah Betfort opened the scoring just three minutes in, equaling the club's fastest goal record, with Ally Sentnor doubling the lead in the 21st minute. Despite the Royals' dominance in the first half, the Thorns came back strong after halftime, with Olivia Moultrie narrowing the gap in the 66th minute. However, Michele Vasconcelos sealed the win for the Royals in the 76th minute after her shot deflected in her favor and flew into the back of the net.
SUNDAY, JULY 28
Group A: Seattle Reign FC 2, Club Tijuana 3
In the first match of the day, the Reign fell 3-2 to Club Tijuana. Despite early goals from Tijuana's Aisha Solorzano, the Reign equalized with a 47th minute goal from Emeri Adames and a 62nd minute goal from Maddie Mercado, but ultimately lost after Solorzano completed her hat trick in the 84th minute. Defender Jordyn Bugg, recently signed by the Reign through 2026, made her professional debut, and midfielder Sam Meza earned her first start.
Group D: NJ/NY Gotham FC 1, Washington Spirit 0
The Washington Spirit fell 1-0 to Gotham FC on Sunday, dropping to second place in Group D. Gotham dominated early but both teams remained scoreless at halftime. In the 61st minute, Gotham drew a penalty, and Yazmeen Ryan converted, giving Gotham a 1-0 lead. The Spirit had several late attempts, including shots by Makenna Morris, Tara McKeown, and Heather Stainbrook, but couldn't equalize. Gotham FC leads their group headed into their next match.
Group C: Houston Dash 2, Tigres UANL 1
The Houston Dash defeated Tigres 2-1 Sunday evening, both teams’ second match of the Summer Cup. Dash forward Diana Ordóñez opened the scoring early on in the 2nd minute and Tigres equalized before the end of the first half. The second half saw both sides tied until Barb Olivieri helped the Dash pull off a lead they would hold until the final whistle. Of note: the rookie Heather Hinz put on a clinic in goal in her debut, ensuring the Tigres were kept to a single goal.
