Ecuadorian Women's Championship
The Ecuadorian Women's Championship, officially LigaPro Serie A Femenina, stands as the top tier of women's club football in Ecuador. Governed by the LigaPro Professional Football League, it features Ecuador's premier women's teams vying for the national title and spots in continental tournaments. Achieving professional status in 2022 marked a pivotal shift from amateur roots, boosting visibility and investment in women's soccer amid growing calls for gender equity in the sport.
History and foundation
Women's football in Ecuador traces back to the 1970s with informal local games, but the structured Superliga Femenina launched in 2018. The 2022 Serie A Femenina era brought professionalism, with LDU Quito clinching the inaugural title dominantly. A highlight was Independiente del Valle's 2023 triumph, upsetting giants in the playoffs. Notably, the league coincides with Ecuador's women's national team's rise, including their 2022 South American Championship qualification. Cross-border transfers from Colombia and Brazil have elevated standards.
Tournament format
The format emphasizes excitement: 16 teams split into two groups of eight. Regular season sees intra-group home-and-away matches (14 per team). Top performers advance to semifinals via two-legged ties, culminating in a grand final. Champions earn Copa Libertadores Femenina entry. Running February to December with international breaks, 2024 rules cap foreign players at four per squad, fostering local talent amid fair play mandates.
Interesting facts
Average goals per match hover at 2.8, spiking to 3.5 in playoffs. Top scorers include Jessica Silva (Independiente, 18 goals in 2023), Fernanda Velásquez (LDU, 15), and Agustina Rivadavia (Aucas). Standouts: goalkeeper Paula Moscales (Barcelona SC) with iconic saves, and midfielder Carlita Rodríguez (Emelec), league-leading 22 assists. Figures like ex-national captain Ann Greguair, now a coach, have shaped the pro landscape.