Argentina. Santa Fe Cup. Women
The Santa Fe Cup for women's teams is a regional knockout competition in Argentina's Santa Fe province, spotlighting top squads from local women's leagues. It embodies the surge in women's soccer in Argentina, long overshadowed by men's dominance, yet now gaining traction with pro-level execution and scouts from top divisions eyeing talents.
History and foundation
Launched in the early 2010s amid AFA's push for women's soccer growth, the inaugural edition in 2012 featured four teams, won by Universitario. Expanded to 16 teams by 2017, it adapted to COVID in 2020 with a shortened format. Iconic 2019 final saw Santa Fe FC edge Rosario Central Women 3-2 in extra time, with Maria Perez earning MVP honors via a brace. Notably, 12 players from the cup have debuted for Argentina's national team.
Tournament format
Knockout format with an initial group stage for 12-16 teams, split into two groups of 6-8 playing home-and-away round-robins. Group winners and top runners-up advance to quarterfinals. Playoff ties are single-leg on neutral grounds, with extra time and penalties if needed. The tournament spans 3-4 months, aligning with regional schedules.
Interesting facts
Average goals per match: 2.8, peaking at 3.5 in groups due to attacking flair. Top scorers: Laura Sanchez (23 goals over three seasons for Ben Hur Women), Carla Gonzalez (19 for Union Women). Standouts include Maria Perez, now at River Plate in Primera, famed for dribbling prowess; goalkeeper Ana Martin of Newell's Old Boys Women, boasting a 78% save rate in 2022. Matches feature balanced possession (52% average) and 9 corners per game.