Women's Football. Argentina. Reserve League
The Women's Reserve League of Argentina (Liga Femenina de Reserva) serves as the second tier in the nation's women's football pyramid, focusing on nurturing young talents and rotating squads from Primera División Femenina clubs. It allows coaches to test backups without jeopardizing top-flight standings. Launched in 2021 amid surging interest in women's soccer, it now features around 18 teams, fostering a competitive environment for emerging stars in a country long dominated by men's football.
History and foundation
Born from Argentina's national team's spirited run to the 2019 World Cup Round of 16, the league was AFA's initiative to bolster the talent pool, drawing inspiration from Brazil and Europe. Boca Juniors Reserves claimed the inaugural title in 2021 with a 10-point lead, but River Plate upended them in 2022. A 2023 playoff revamp boosted excitement. COVID-19 nearly derailed the debut, but it proceeded in a shortened format, marking a resilient start.
Tournament format
The format pits 18 teams in a single round-robin split into two zones of nine, with zone winners advancing to playoffs: quarterfinals, semifinals, and grand final. The season runs March to November, pausing for internationals. Teams play 17 regular-season games plus up to three playoffs. Standard scoring: 3 points for wins, 1 for draws. Matches are 90 minutes, with extra time in playoffs.
Interesting facts
Average goals per match hover at 2.8, emphasizing defense over flair. Top scorers include Rocco Sanchez (Boca, 15 goals in 2023) and Maria Perez (River, 12 in 2022). Standouts: midfielder Laura Rodriguez (UAI Urquiza Reserves), who broke into the senior side and national team; forward Ana Sofia Velasquez (Independiente), whose dribbles went viral. Graduates like Santini now shine in Primera.