The Spark Of A Dynasty: USA’s Inaugural '91 Concacaf Women’s Title

By Steven Torres - ANCCIF President   (Posted on  17 April 2026)

Just six years after the birth of the program, the USA Women’s National Team (USWNT) placed the first of many trophies on its mantle. From 16-28 April 1991, the USA dominated the inaugural Concacaf Women's Championship at Stade Silvio Cator in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

“This was our first opportunity to perform in the region and see how we fared against other CONCACAF teams,” recalled former captain April Heinrichs in 2011. “Our preparations were limited, and there was a great sense of uncertainty because players didn't know what to expect. However, we were confident we would achieve our goals: winning the event and qualifying for the first world championship.”

While the Stars & Stripes dominated the pitch, the Haitian fans were the highlight of the tournament. Over 340,000 people attended the 11 match days—an average of 30,909 per game.  The tournament saw eight sold-out matchdays of 40,000 spectators, a record that remains a Concacaf women’s tournament milestone.

“The people were fantastic,” remembered former striker Carin Jennings-Gabarra in 2011. “They were passionate and energetic. We gave flowers to the crowd before games as a sign of mutual respect. That supportive atmosphere created a special bond with the country.”

Under head coach Anson Dorrance, the Stars & Stripes began the eight-team tournament with clinical precision.  They opened group stage with a 12:0 win over Mexico, highlighted by five goals from defender Brandi Chastain. They followed up with another 12:0 victory against Martinique and closed group play by beating Trinidad & Tobago 10:0.

In the semifinals, the USWNT defeated host Haiti 10:0, in front of another capacity crowd, with Michelle Akers, Heinrichs, Jennings-Gabarra, and Tracey Bates each scoring twice.

In the 27 April final, the USWNT secured a 5:0 victory over Canada. Akers netted a hat-trick to finish as the tournament’s top scorer with 11 goals. This win officially qualified the USWNT for the inaugural FIFA Women’s World Cup in China later in the year.

In November, the Stars & Stripes made history by winning the first-ever Women's World Cup, defeating Norway 2:1 in the final. The team swept the individual awards: Jennings-Gabarra won the Golden Ball (MVP), while Akers won the Golden Shoe (top scorer).

Gabarra and Heinrichs credited the 1991 title as the "growth process for women’s football in the region." Since that first victory in Haiti, the USWNT legacy has grown to include:

• 9 Concacaf Championships (including the 2022 W Championship)

• 4 FIFA World Cup Titles (1991, 1999, 2015, 2019)

• 5 Olympic Gold Medals (1996, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2024)

At the youth level, the program remains just as formidable, holding seven Concacaf U-20 titles and three FIFA U-20 World Cup crowns.

USA Roster – 1991 CONCACAF Women’s Championship

GK: Amy Allmann, Kim Maslin-Kammerdeiner;

DF: Debbie Belkin, Brandi Chastain, Joy Fawcett (née Biefield), Wendy Gebauer, Megan McCarthy, Carla Overbeck (née Werden), Keri Sanchez;

MD: Tracey Leone (née Bates), Amanda Cromwell, Julie Foudy, April Heinrichs, Shannon Higgins, Kristine Lilly;

AT: Michelle Akers, Carin Gabarra (née Jennings), Mia Hamm.

TD: Anson DORRANCE

USA Results at ’91 Concacaf Championship - Haiti

Group A

18.04: USA - Mexico 12:0

20.04: Martinique - USA 0:12

22.04: USA - Trinidad & Tobago 10:0

Semifinal

25.04: USA - Haiti 10:0

Final

28.04: USA - Canada 5:0