THE WARRIORS FALL IN THEIR DEBUT IN THE APERTURA 2026
Santos Laguna Femenil began their participation in the Apertura 2026 Tournament with an adverse score of 3-0 against América, this afternoon-evening at the Estadio Corona, in activity of matchday 1.
The match marked the debut with the Warriors of Laveni Vaka, Carol Fernanda Soto, Ariatna Dorantes, and Ivonne González, who were part of the starting XI arranged by coach Jhonathan Lazcano.
Forward Vivian Ikechukwu was unable to participate in this match, as she served a suspension corresponding to the last matchday of the previous tournament.
América took the lead just two minutes in, when Alexa Soto found the back of the net. The Warriors responded by trying to create danger on the visitors' goal and came close to equalizing the score.
Additionally, Sam Calvillo managed to score for the Warriors, although the goal was disallowed for offside.
In the 35th minute, Gabriela García extended the lead for the visiting team.
Santos Laguna maintained their intent to push forward and created a significant opportunity when Sandra Nabweteme made a great individual play, outpaced her marker, and finished with a shot that hit the post.
In the 69th minute, Santos Laguna made their first substitution, with Lia Romero coming on for Ariatna Dorantes.
In the 72nd minute, América increased their lead through Brazilian Geyse Da Silva.
A minute later, Karen de León made her debut as a Warrior, coming on to replace Yessenia Novella, joining the players who had their first official match with Santos Laguna in this Apertura 2026.
The Warriors continued to seek a goal and came very close in the 80th minute. Doménica Rodríguez sent a great cross into the box, which was connected by Sasha Pickard, who was just centimeters away from scoring.
In the closing moments of the match, Jhonathan Lazcano made two more substitutions, bringing on youth national team player Renata Ramírez and Celeste Guevara, who replaced Sam Calvillo and Ivonne González, respectively.
Santos Laguna will continue working starting tomorrow at Territorio Santos Modelo, preparing for their next match.
The Warriors will visit Querétaro next Saturday at 5:00 PM at the Estadio La Corregidora, in activity of matchday 2.
Starting lineup for Santos Laguna: 1.- Kathya Mendoza, 13.- Kimberli Gómez, 4.- Laveni Vaka, 3.- Sasha Pickard, 21.- Carol Soto, 7.- Doménica Rodríguez, 9.- Sam Calvillo, 5.- Yessenia Novella, 24.- Ivonne González, 14.- Ariatna Dorantes, 8.- Sandra Nabweteme.
Coach: Jhonathan Lazcano