Tag: CONCACAF

Concacaf announces launch of region’s first women’s club competition

The Concacaf W Champions Cup fills a major gap in the region’s women’s soccer space

Concacaf will launch its first-ever continental competition for women’s club teams, with three NWSL teams set to participate.

The Concacaf W Champions Cup, announced on Tuesday, will involve 11 teams from across the region, with play beginning in August 2024.

Theo Lloyd-Hughes was first to report the tournament’s details, including what countries will be represented this summer. The NWSL and Liga MX Femenil will each claim three places in the group stage, while the domestic leagues of Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Panama will all have one team in the mix.

A preliminary clash between the top team from Canada and El Salvador will determine who gets the tenth group-stage place.

At the time of publication, NWSL had not announced which teams would represent the league in the tournament. NJ/NY Gotham FC is the defending NWSL champion, while the San Diego Wave claimed the NWSL Shield (awarded to the regular-season champion). The North Carolina Courage won the 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup.

Per Concacaf, the group stage will consist of two groups of five, with every team facing the other sides in the group once (two at home, two away).

The top two teams from each group will advance to the elimination round, which will be “a final four centralized event played in May.”

“Launching the Concacaf W Champions Cup is a very exciting next step on our journey of developing all aspects of women’s football in our region,” said Concacaf president Victor Montagliani in a press release.

Montagliani noted that the winner would be primed to represent Concacaf at FIFA’s planned Women’s Club World Cup (an event first reported by The Athletic in January).

“The W Champions Cup will provide a tremendous sporting opportunity for clubs in Concacaf, and we look forward to the first edition commencing in August this year, to crowning a first champion in May 2025, and to delivering an exciting pathway to the new FIFA Women’s Club World Cup.”

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Goodbye CONCACAF Champions League, hello CONCACAF Champions Cup

The competition has been revamped and rebranded ahead of the 2024 edition

The CONCACAF Champions League is no more, as the competition has been revamped and rebranded as the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

CONCACAF announced the sweeping changes to the competition on Tuesday, which will see the teams increase from 16 to 27 and the prize money for the champion increase to $5 million, more than five times the previous amount.

Starting with the 2024 edition, 22 teams will begin play in round one with five given a bye to the round of 16, with all ties taking place in a two-leg, home-and-away format.

In another change, the final will now be a single match rather than the home-and-away playoff that it had been previously.

The rebrand is actually a return to the competition’s previous name, as it was known as the CONCACAF Champions Cup from 1962 to 2008.

“Maintaining the word ‘Champions’ was crucial for us to highlight that this tournament is at the top of the club pyramid in CONCACAF,” said the confederation’s general secretary Philippe Moggio.

“We also feel that moving away from ‘Champions League’ allows us to develop a unique identity for our club competition. In returning to the original tournament name, we will have the opportunity to truly connect the last 61 years of Continental club football in CONCACAF with what is coming in the future.”

CONCACAF Champions Cup format

Credit: CONCACAF

Three teams will qualify through the new CONCACAF Caribbean Cup, while six will qualify through the new CONCACAF Central American Cup. Three will come from the newly expanded Leagues Cup between MLS and Liga MX.

The two leagues will qualify 11 teams between them through league and playoff play, while two teams will come from the Canadian Premier League.

Finally, the champions of the U.S. Open Cup and Canadian Championship will earn a spot.

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Alex Morgan followed British Open champ Cam Smith’s lead and measured margaritas in the CONCACAF trophy

That’s a whole lot of margaritas.

After nailing the go-ahead penalty kick to lift the United States to victory over Canada in the CONCACAF W championship and securing its spot in the 2024 Olympics, Alex Morgan upped the bar on her “drinking” celebrations.

Remember her awesome tea-sipping move after scoring a goal on England in the World Cup semifinals? Well, this time she waited until after the match to have a drink … or 20.

Margaritas were the beverage of choice. And Morgan drank them straight out of the championship trophy, following the lead of British Open champ Cameron Smith, who wanted to find out how many beers fit in the Claret Jug after his win — you know, for research purposes (the answer was two).

As for the CONCACAF trophy, let’s just say it’s big enough to quench the thirst of an entire team.

Smith’s trophy is the perfect size for one person. Morgan’s is not We can only hope she didn’t try to drink all *estimated* 20 margaritas by herself.

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10 wild photos from the USMNT’s ridiculously muddy match against El Salvador

Peak CONCACAF.

Given the FIFA stood by the horrible decision to award the 2022 World Cup to Qatar in the winter, this summer’s international window has been full of meaningless friendlies and Nations League matches. That meant the U.S. men’s national team was stuck playing one more of those notoriously awful road matches in CONCACAF … during a World Cup year.

And, oh man, it was peak CONCACAF.

The USMNT traveled to El Salvador to play its second CONCACAF Nations League group stage match — a tournament stage that won’t resume until 2023. And while the U.S. easily defeated Grenada in Austin, a match in San Salvador was going to present a challenge unique to CONCACAF.

See: San Salvador was in the midst of multi-day rainfall, which wreaked havoc on the already-suspect playing surface at Estadio Cuscatlán. The result was a muddy (and dangerous) mess that the USMNT managed to escape with a point thanks to a stoppage-time goal.

The horrible field was the talk of U.S. Soccer Twitter all Tuesday night. I mean, look how horrible this is:

Photos from the match didn’t make the experience seem any more enjoyable for the players either.

El Salvador vs. USA CONCACAF Nations League odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s El Salvador vs. USA odds and lines, with CONCACAF Nations League picks and predictions.

El Salvador welcomes USA to Estadio Cuscatlán in San Salvador, El Salvador Wednesday. Kickoff is set for 10 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the El Salvador vs. USA odds and lines, and make our best USMNT bets, picks and predictions.

The United States Men’s National Team, after playing several friendlies and beating Grenada 5-0 Friday, will take on El Salvador in its second CONCACAF Nations League match.

The USA is in a 3-country group. The USMNT drew Uruguay 0-0 last Sunday and beat Morocco 3-0 June 1. It crushed Grenada behind 4 goals from F Jesus Ferreira.

El Salvador has already played 2 Nations League matches, drawing Grenada 2-2 at home and winning at Grenada 3-1.

While it appears El Salvador may have a capable attack, they had just 9 shots on goal, netting 5 of them. Those same opportunities most likely won’t be available against the USMNT.

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

El Salvador vs. USA odds, lines, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Monday 12:41 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: El Salvador +670 (bet $100 to win $670) | USA -270 (bet $270 to win $100) | Draw +330
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -107 | U: -135)

[tipico]

Prediction

USA 3, El Salvador 1

Money line (ML)

PASS.

The USA absolutely dominated Grenada. They had 68% of the possession and didn’t allow a single shot on target, holding Grenada, who did draw El Salvador, to just 3 shots.

While it is notable that the USMNT’s record is significantly worse on the road than in domestic play, where they crushed Grenada, I still see little way that El Salvador competes.

They’re more in the realm of Grenada and less like a top-15 FIFA team like USA. El Salvador ranks 74th in the world. While at home, El Salvador still shouldn’t get much traction.

At -270, I’m not banking on the USMNT putting their best product on the field and easily winning this battle either.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET OVER 2.5 (-107).

All 3 of the Nations League games that these teams have played have gone over this total. USA beat Grenada 5-0 while El Salvador beat them 3-1 and tied 2-2.

El Salvador has several MLS players on its roster and 31-year-old F Nelson Bonilla who netted 2 against Grenada in the 3-1 victory. While I expect the USA to come out on top, they haven’t allowed a goal in over 270 minutes.

Given the tired legs of D Walker Zimmerman, I expect to see at least 1 goal for the home side.

With the dominant attackers USA has, netting 5 on Grenada and 3 on top-25 Morocco, they should be able to score at will. USA had 25 shots on Grenada, 10 on target.

I expect a similar result as 2 of the USA’s 3 recent performances have gone over this against far more difficult opponents. Combine it all, and I expect the Over 2.5 (-107) to hit.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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USA vs. Grenada odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s USMNT vs. Grenada odds and lines, with CONCACAF Nations League picks and predictions.

USA welcomes Grenada to Q2 Stadium in Austin Friday. Kickoff is set for 10 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the USA vs. Grenada odds and lines, and make our best USMNT bets, picks and predictions.

The United States Men’s National Team, after playing several friendlies, will take on Grenada in its first CONCACAF Nations League action.

The USA is in a 3-country group along with El Salvador. The USMNT drew Uruguay, 0-0, last Sunday and beat Morocco, 3-0, the Wednesday before that as well.

Grenada has already played 2 Nations League matches, drawing and losing to El Salvador. It was a 3-1 loss and 2-2 draw.

While it appears Grenada may have a capable attack, they scored those 3 goals with a mere 7 shots on target. So it has been more about capitalizing on chances rather than creating them in volume.

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

USMNT vs. Grenada odds, lines, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:30 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: USA -20000 (bet $20,000 to win $100) | Grenada +6000 (bet $100 to win $6,000) | Draw +1200
  • Over/Under: 4.5 (O: -220 | U: +150)

[tipico]

Prediction

USA 4, Grenada 0

Money line (ML)

PASS.

There’s just no good value here. That’s really all that needs to be said.

The USMNT has been dominant at home, winning 8 of their last 9 domestic games, which included a win over World Cup-qualifying Mexico. They recently drew Uruguay, a top-15 nation in the world.

Put it all together, and the USMNT should have no trouble taking on Grenada, a team that sits 170th on FIFA’s world rankings. The USMNT are 15th, which is why this massive valuation difference comes into play.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 4.5 (+150).

The USMNT has been playing some high-level matches lately that have been preparing the team for the November World Cup.

In doing so, M Weston McKennie and F Christian Pulisic have logged ample minutes. It wouldn’t be unlikely to see them pass the torch here, especially in a group that the US should easily dominate.

The US held Uruguay scoreless, so they should be able to secure a clean sheet against Grenada.

With how Gregg Berhalter will likely play this match, and the personnel he’ll use against Grenada’s subpar attack, I would play the UNDER 4.5 (+150) as the best and only reasonable bet.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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¡Pumas a la final! La Lillineta se acerca a un título internacional

La batalla de cánticos y porras le dio a la semifinal un tinte muy especial que hasta el menos aficionado tenía los pelos de punta

Mucha garra la de Pumas que supo mantener el cero en su portería para instalarse en la final de la Liga de Campeones de Concacaf derrotando a Cruz Azul en el marcador global en un Estadio Azteca que se vistió de gala para la semifinal.

La ‘Lillineta’ ya pisó acelerador a fondo y sus Pumas se acercan a un título internacional en la segunda final que disputan con Andrés Lillini al frente del equipo.

Hay 0-0 que son somníferos, pero el de anoche en el Estadio Azteca fue de alarido con un Cruz Azul volcado al frente con el apoyo de su afición que no dejó de alentar, y los Pumas conservando el cero, desperdiciando oportunidades al frente y con su afición repartida en gran número por todo el inmueble y no aglomerada en la misma sección como se acostumbra, las nuevas medidas.

La batalla de cánticos y porras le dio a la semifinal un tinte muy especial que hasta el menos aficionado tenía los pelos de punta por el gran duelo que protagonizaron los 22 en el campo y los miles de aficionados que casi llenan en su totalidad el coloso de Santa Úrsula.

Finalmente el ¡Goya! retumbó más fuerte que el ¡Azul, Azul! y los Pumas acceden a una final más de Concacaf a la que no llegaban hace 17 años cuando en 2005 perdieron ante Saprissa de Costa Rica.

Para Cruz Azul reconfigurar el sueño de la Concachampions ya que esta temporada seguirá siendo eso, un sueño, una vez más Pumas los deja fuera de una competencia, en una racha que Andrés Lillini ha impuesto sobre los cementeros con grandes partidos.

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¡Eso no! Selección de Estados Unidos niega autógrafos a fans en México

Mal detalle de Estados Unidos que llegó a México custodiado por un fuerte dispositivo de seguridad

La selección de futbol de Estados Unidos llegó a México este miércoles para encarar el compromiso eliminatorio de la Concacaf rumbo a Qatar 2022.

La difícil cancha del Estadio Azteca será la sede del compromiso la noche del jueves 24 de marzo en un duelo muy caliente con mucha rivalidad que ha generado todo tipo de reacciones por la protesta de la afición mexicana por los hechos violentos y la tibieza con que se sancionó a los culpables.

Lejos de la rivalidad, la afición mexicana que recibió al combinado estadounidense se acercó a sus ídolos para recibir un autógrafo, pero fue el personal de seguridad del USA Team quien lo impidió y los propios futbolistas hicieron caso omiso de la petición de los seguidores del Chelsea que querían la firma de Christian Pulisic y los del Borussia Dortmund que insistían con Gio Reyna.

Mal detalle de Estados Unidos que llegó a México custodiado por un fuerte dispositivo de seguridad, mismo que fue solicitado por el visitante derivado de los hechos violentos en Querétaro.

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Color: Una fe irrenunciable puso a Pumas en semifinales de Concacaf

Anoche en CU quedó demostrado que las hinchadas no solo agreden y generan violencia, también ganan eliminatorias

Aún conmovido por las emociones de anoche en Ciudad Universitaria es que escribo estas líneas, hoy soy un aficionado no un columnista, pero cómo no emocionarse con una hazaña como la de Pumas en la Liga de Campeones de Concacaf.

Si alguien tiene fe en estos jugadores, primero son ellos mismos que ya es un gran paso para hacer posible la remontada y después la afición, la gente de Pumas tiene algo especial, una mística que invade al futbolista, le da un extra de energía, los hace brindarse al 110 por ciento.

Remontada ¿imposible? No para Pumas

La caída estrepitosa en Boston ya tenía a los Pumas fuera de la competencia, remontar tres goles parecía misión imposible, pero no para los muchachos de Andrés Lillini, algo tiene el profe que les inyecta una confianza plena a los jugadores que salieron dispuestos a lograr lo inimaginable, una vez más.

Y la gente haciendo su parte, justamente en tiempos donde las barras son mal vistas y señaladas es cuando viene una muestra implacable de aliento por parte de la Rebel, por que la hinchada siempre creerá en Pumas. Existe un contrato no escrito de fidelidad y pasión infinita que en la adversidad se hace valer y anoche quedó demostrado que las hinchadas no solo agreden y generan violencia, también ganan eliminatorias.

Foto ESPECIAL

Noches mágicas de CU, los reyes de la remontada

“Noches mágicas de CU” ya se están haciendo una constante en la era de Andrés Lillini con estos Pumas que muchos llaman los “Reyes de la remontada” y que jugarán su cuarta semifinal con el estratega.

Pumas alza la mano y se convierte en un candidato al título por la forma en la que eliminó al Saprissa y la gesta heroica de remontar una desventaja lapidaria de tres goles en casa y en la tanda de penales por fin darle una alegría a la gente de Pumas que había visto caer a su equipo en las últimas series desde los 11 pasos.

Foto ESPECIAL

Los artífices de la hazaña

Mozo es un jugadorazo, es la llave de la ofensiva universitaria, una y otra vez genera peligro por esa banda derecha, ¡se está ganando a pulso la selección! Talavera es el mejor portero de México, le pese a quien le pese. La seguridad que da bajo los tres palos es lo que le hacía falta a este equipo para alcanzar sus objetivos, te pedí parar una en los penales y detuviste dos, ¡genio!

Y Dinenno es el corazón de este equipo, doblete histórico, de esos extranjeros que se envuelven en los colores universitarios y se llenan de sus valores. Nunca dar una pelota por perdida anoche te dio dividendos, ¡Gracias comandante! dejaste todo en la cancha y coronaste con el penal definitivo ¡Crack!

Foto ESPECIAL

¡Cómo no te voy a querer! Si le diste una alegría a México, por que este triunfo no solo se festeja en el pueblo auriazul, el técnico de New England, Bruce Arena, tenía cuentas pendientes con los mexicanos y Pumas de alguna manera le devuelve al país el orgullo y la estirpe del futbolista azteca. Habrá un equipo de Liga MX en la final de la Concachampions.

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¡Por fin! Segunda vuelta de eliminatoria en Concacaf va con VAR

Esperemos que la polémica arbitral disminuya y la segunda parte de la eliminatoria sea justa

Una buena noticia para la Concacaf, las seis jornadas restantes de la eliminatoria rumbo a Qatar 2022 se jugarán con la ayuda del VAR arbitral.

Concacaf, junto a África y Oceanía eran las únicas confederaciones que no estaban utilizando la asistencia de la tecnología en video para el arbitraje.

Pero las limitaciones terminaron, FIFA acaba de renovar gafetes a los silbantes autorizados para utilizar el VAR y entregó nuevos a silbantes centroamericanos, luego de que solo los mexicanos, estadounidenses y canadienses tenían la certificación al utilizar la tecnología en sus ligas.

Esto significa que habrá VAR en Concacaf para las seis jornadas restantes luego de la polémica que se ha generado en la eliminatoria en jugadas decisivas que no han sido sancionadas con buen criterio.

Una empresa será la encargada de proveer de VAR a los estadios donde no se cuenta con la tecnología en Honduras, Jamaica, El Salvador, Costa Rica y Panamá por lo que todas las sedes estarían cubiertas con la ayuda arbitral.

Esperemos que la polémica arbitral disminuya y la segunda parte de la eliminatoria sea justa, pues será decisiva para definir los tres pases directos y el cuarto sitio que va al repechaje.

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