While the summer break from NWSL action did a lot of good for Angel City FC, it is definitely clear there are still a few wrinkles that need to be ironed out before this team can find its footing in this new era. The team were back in action and on the road against the always tricky Seattle Reign, who themselves have added some new talent. While the team seemed to look a bit more lively to start the match, they couldn’t keep that same energy throughout, eventually falling short in their 0-2 loss.
Final Score. 🔜 #SDvLA on 8/9.#Volemos | #NWSL | #SEAvLA | #AngelCityFC pic.twitter.com/IMjXNVOWsU
— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) August 2, 2025
The first half saw Angel City come out looking a lot more aggressive in attack. New Head Coach Alex Straus had mentioned his goals of wanting the team to be more attacking, to put pressure on teams and to be the ones in control of the tempo and pace of the match. It definitely looked like it early on. While the team didn’t keep much possession, they still got off shots, finishing the half with five shots, four of those finding the target. The issue was, it was clear the chemistry had yet to be built among the frontline. With new signing Sveindís making her starting debut, as well as the return of Jun Endo to the attacking midfield, the timing with a lot of the build-ups were just slightly off. Things that will improve as this team continues to play together.
The half ended with neither side scoring, which in all honesty was a bit worrying for Angel City fans. If anyone knows anything about Seattle, it’s that they are a team that are notorious for turning it up late in matches. They play through the final whistle and will be at 1000 until the very end of matches, with a seemingly infinite engine and now added firepower to go to on their bench. Which was exactly the case this time around. It took 66 minutes, but it was Jess Fishlock who broke the deadlock for the home side. Whether it was tired legs or getting caught ball watching , the Angel City defense let up just enough for the Reign to find Sofia Huerta on the wing with plenty of space, something you absolutely do not want. She showed why with a perfect cross that sailed across the box and found Jess Fishlock, who leaped over not one, but two defenders, getting her head on it just enough to cause Angelina Anderson to come off her line and try and punch the ball away. Unfortunately, the punch attempt caused the ball to rebound around and end up right back at the feet of Fishlock, who needed one touch to put the second chance into the back of the net.
There was never a doubt from Jess Fishlock 👏
— NWSL (@nwslsoccer.com) August 1, 2025 at 9:07 PM
As if the first goal wasn’t enough, Seattle put the screws to Angel City late in the match with another goal. In the 85th minute, on a corner kick, the Reign sent a ball near post that found who else but Jess Fishlock. A quick little flick was all that was needed to nudge the ball towards goal where it deflected off the defender and into the net for what was officially ruled an own goal from Angel City center back, Alanna Kennedy. The late goal sealed up the win for Seattle at home, and was another eye-opener for Alex Straus as he continues to try and figure out this insane league called the NWSL.
Jess Fishlock forces an own goal to double Seattle’s lead 📈
— NWSL (@nwslsoccer.com) August 1, 2025 at 9:24 PM
“We played the best game for big periods since I came here. We saw the things that we’ve been working on, where we have great switches of play. We got to the final third and were one pass away from creating big chances today” said Head Coach Alex Straus when speaking to media after the match. “We showed more control, good build, and had the better team. We gave them problems, we got a lot of set pieces and corner kicks. A little bit more untidy, but still not far off. However, we continue to give away very simple goals. It’s hard to win football matches with the goals we let in today.”
That is going to be the big key for Angel City now as they press forward in the second half of the season. Limiting those simple goals and being able to hold onto results. Even if they were to end that match with a scoreless draw, with how they played most of the match, it would have been seen as a huge win, but once again, they are lamenting some late mistakes that had them paying the ultimate price. The journey continues this weekend, as the team are back in California, but this time heading south to San Diego where they meet their rivals, San Diego Wave. It’s been since early May that the team has seen a victory, this would be a great way to kickstart a possible run, and get some good momentum going. It would also be a great first win for Straus, taking down the red-hot Wave who themselves have been under new management this season.
Thoughts on the loss on the road? Leave a comment below!