Angel City FC were back home, and in action for the rare Monday night footy matchup. The team was celebrating Juneteenth a bit early as they won’t be in action around the actual day. LA played host to Chicago Red Stars in a battle of teams near the bottom of the standings.
Black and Proud đź–¤
đź“Ť@BMOStadium
🥳Street Fair w/ @SheaButterFC 4:30-6:30 PM
⏰7 PM Kickoff
Tune in:
đź“ş @BallySportWest (SoCal)
đź“şParamount+ (US)
đź“» @iHeartRadio Angel City FC (ENG)
đź“» @TuLigaRadio 1330 AM (SPA)
🌍https://t.co/OWYaatCJ4C (INT’l)#NWSL | #LAvCHI | #AngelCityFC pic.twitter.com/6a7ek8xgKh— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) June 5, 2023
The visitors wasted no time in taking advantage of all they could in this match. After securing the corner early, the Red Stars didn’t hesitate. The corner was perfect, as the ball had the precision and pace served on a platter for Chicago forward Ava Cook, who climbed the ladder and slammed a header home. The goal was her first of the season, taking the lead in the first 20 minutes.
Ava Cook nods the @chicagoredstars in front early on! 🎯 pic.twitter.com/LGMBD4KfGd
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 6, 2023
Just seven minutes later, Chicago got awarded another set piece, this time a free kick from near midfield. This time, it was sloppy defending more than anything, as the ball did find the box, but bounced around untouched for a moment before Ava Cook got on it, and nudged it past Haračić to double the lead.
Make that ✌️ for Ava Cook as the @chicagoredstars double their lead! pic.twitter.com/ZV10BqUcFl
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 6, 2023
The first half came to a close with Angel City having to overcome a two goal deficit if they wanted the points at home. The team finished the half with five shots, and had a whopping 20 touches in the box compared to Chicago’s eight. Despite that, they only got one shot on target and failed to threaten for any goals.
The second half saw a better effort from Angel City in terms of putting on more threatening opportunities. Some key substitutions early on in the half proved the right decision, giving the home side new life. The crowd really got back into the match in the 75th minute when star forward Sydney Leroux made her return from injury, and 2023 NWSL debut, coming off the bench for ACFC. Seconds into her appearance she nearly cut the deficit in half, proving just how impactful she can be when on the pitch.
In the waning minutes of the match, Leroux capped off her return in magical fashion. Alyssa Thompson did an excellent job of taking on multiple defenders, and getting just enough space to put a ball across the goal in the box. A diving Leroux got enough on it to put it in the back of the net to cut the deficit to just a goal with plenty of time left for something incredible to happen.
It had to be @sydneyleroux!
She brings one back for @weareangelcity! đź‘Š pic.twitter.com/Is0ghuTDv0
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 6, 2023
In the end, the comeback fell short as the Red Stars did just enough to hold on for the win on the road. Overall, it’s hard not to be disappointed at yet another result that feels a bit harsh. This is a match that very well should have ended in at worst, a draw. However, if there is one silver lining it’s just how much better the team looked with Leroux returning. Perhaps more of her is exactly what this side needs. The team will be back in action in five days, taking the trip East to face Washington Spirit this Saturday.
Thoughts on the match, and on Sydney Leroux returning? Leave a comment below!