América Lose Third-Place Leagues Cup Match, Sending León to Concacaf Champions Cup

León turned a third-place match into a ticket to the Concacaf Champions Cup, while América left the Leagues Cup without a medal. The Panzas Verdes won 1-0 at Houston’s Shell Energy Stadium, with Díber Cambindo scoring the goal that delivered the bronze medal, $500,000 and international qualification.

América had already lost the chance to fight for the title. The defeat against León deepened the disappointment, especially because the Águilas had the better of the early play but could not finish their chances. A Raphael Veiga shot deflected by Sebastián Vegas and another attempt that went over the bar after a poor goalkeeper clearance were among their clearest opportunities.

The first half produced little danger at either end. América pressed more often, but its attacks did not seriously trouble León goalkeeper Óscar García. After the break, both teams showed greater intent, while América’s Brian Rodríguez tried to create openings without finding a decisive finish.

León became dangerous when it committed to the attack. Daniel Arcila delivered an excellent free kick, and Cambindo beat Henry Martín to the ball before taking advantage of a poor exit by Fernando Tapia to break the deadlock.

The result ended Guillermo Almada’s unbeaten run in regulation time in the tournament and left América needing to turn the page toward the domestic competition. For coach Javier Gandolfi’s León, Cambindo’s goal produced a complete night and a place in the Concacaf Champions Cup.