Wait, did Mazatlán just change everything? Honestly, if you’ve been following the Liga MX Femenil lately, you know the "Cañoneras" are basically a puzzle that keeps shifting. Trying to pin down the Mazatlán FC Femenil roster feels like tracking a moving target, especially with the January 2026 window throwing everyone for a loop.
It's tough.
The squad is currently navigating a massive transition period under new leadership, and if we're being real, the fans are feeling the heat. It isn’t just about who is wearing the purple jersey; it’s about whether this specific group of players can finally lift the team out of the bottom half of the table. Let's break down who is actually on the pitch and what the deal is with the latest signings.
The 2026 Roster Shakeup: Who’s In and Who’s Out?
Most people think Mazatlán just recycles the same local talent, but that’s not quite right. For the Clausura 2026 season, the front office made a conscious choice to pivot. They didn't go for the "big splash" Liga MX signings that Tigres or América usually hunt. Instead, they’ve leaned into a mix of international grit and young domestic prospects.
Nicolás Morales is the man in the hot seat now. Taking over the managerial reigns in December 2025, Morales inherited a squad that finished the previous tournament in a pretty rough spot. We’re talking 16th or 17th place territory. To fix it, he’s basically had to audit the entire Mazatlán FC Femenil roster from the ground up.
The Goalkeeping Situation
You can't talk about this team without mentioning the wall. Daniela Solera, the Costa Rican international, is arguably the most important name on the sheet. She’s 28, experienced, and honestly, she’s the only reason some of those scores weren't way worse last year.
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Backing her up are Alondra García and Enya Hernández. It’s a solid trio, but Solera is the clear number one. If she gets injured? Mazatlán is in deep trouble.
Defensive Backbone
The defense saw some fresh blood this winter. Karen De León moved over from Necaxa to provide some much-needed stability. Then you’ve got Vanessa Sánchez coming in from Atlas. It’s a "patchwork" defense in a way, but on paper, it looks more disciplined than what we saw in 2025.
- Vasthy Delgado: The Salvadoran veteran is still there, providing that "tough as nails" presence in the box.
- Reyna Velázquez: A consistent starter who’s been through the highs and (mostly) lows.
- Rebeca Zavaleta: Still holding down her spot after moving from Toluca previously.
The Midfield: Where Games are Won (or Lost)
The midfield is where things get a bit experimental. It’s a weird mix of very young players and a few internationals trying to find their rhythm.
Brenda Alemán and Jazmín Ramos are the ones supposed to be pulling the strings. But let’s be honest: the departure of Cristina Montaño to Cruz Azul hurt. She was a homegrown talent that people actually cared about. Now, the burden falls on players like Sinoxolo Cesane, the South African midfielder who brings a different kind of pace to the Liga MX style.
Then there’s the age gap. You have Daniela García, who is the veteran presence at 33, playing alongside teenagers like 17-year-old Connie Herrera. It’s a gamble. If the chemistry clicks, it’s brilliant. If not, the transition from defense to attack becomes a black hole.
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Searching for Goals: The Forward Line
If you look at the stats, Mazatlán’s biggest "ghost" is the scoreboard. They just haven’t been clinical.
The Mazatlán FC Femenil roster currently relies heavily on Taiwo Lawal and Mia Alday. Lawal is the Nigerian spark—she has the physical tools to bully defenders, but she often finds herself isolated. Mia Alday, at 20, is one of those players who looks like she’s about to have a breakout season every single week.
They also added Gineva López from León recently. Is she the "missing piece"? Maybe. But the real issue isn't the strikers; it's getting them the ball in positions where they don't have to beat four defenders just to get a shot off.
Current Key Players to Watch (Clausura 2026)
- Daniela Solera (GK): The heartbeat of the defense.
- Taiwo Lawal (FW): The primary goal threat.
- Sinoxolo Cesane (MF): The creative engine.
- Karen De León (DF): The new defensive leader.
The Nicolás Morales Factor
Why does the coach matter so much for the roster? Because Morales is known for a "no-nonsense" approach. In his first few weeks, he’s already been seen rotating the squad heavily in friendlies. He isn't married to the names on the back of the jerseys.
The shift in the Mazatlán FC Femenil roster reflects this. He wants players who can run for 90 minutes in the Mazatlán humidity. If you can't press, you don't play. This has led to some older players seeing less time, while younger, more "engine-heavy" players like Aleida Cruz are getting a real shot.
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What Most People Get Wrong About This Squad
There’s this narrative that Mazatlán Femenil is just a "feeder" team or a bottom-dweller that doesn't care. That’s sort of a lazy take.
The investment is there, but it’s misplaced. They spend on international slots (like Enekia Lunyamila or Lawal), but they’ve historically struggled to build a cohesive "middle class" of Mexican players. The 2026 roster is the first time we’ve seen them actually try to buy established Liga MX talent like Karen De León instead of just hoping a random free agent works out.
It’s a slow process.
Also, don't sleep on their U-19 prospects. Players like Rosa Rodríguez and Liliana Bastidas are constantly being called up to the senior team. The bridge between the academy and the first team is finally starting to look like a real path rather than a desperate emergency exit.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you’re trying to keep up with the team this season, here is what you need to actually do:
- Watch the first 15 minutes: Mazatlán tends to concede early. If the new defensive duo of De León and Sánchez holds firm through the first quarter of an hour, they usually stay competitive.
- Track the international slots: Since the league allows more foreign players now, keep an eye on how Morales uses the "extranjeras." If they aren't starting, something is wrong behind the scenes.
- Follow the official "Cañoneras" social accounts: The roster moves in this league often happen overnight without much fanfare.
- Monitor the injury report for Daniela Solera: As mentioned, she is the linchpin. If she’s out, adjust your expectations for the match immediately.
The Mazatlán FC Femenil roster isn't going to win the league tomorrow. They probably won't even make the top four. But for the first time in a few seasons, the list of names actually looks like a functional football team rather than a collection of individuals. Whether that translates to points in the Clausura 2026 is anyone's guess, but the foundation is finally being poured.
Check the matchday lineups about an hour before kickoff. Morales is unpredictable, and that's probably the best thing to happen to this roster in years.