With World Cup wrapped up, players returned, and after a month away from home, Angel City FC are back! The team may be sitting near the bottom of the standings at the moment, but continuing their unbeaten run, and adding some much-needed wins, will surely see them fighting for a playoff spot right up until the end. First, the team will need to dig down deep to come away with a result against a tough OL Reign side getting a nice boost of returning World Cup stars.
Good to be back 🙌 pic.twitter.com/cnT3CJbi1D
— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) August 27, 2023
Angel City saw several returns themselves, as Jun Endo returned to the bench beside a returning Alyssa Thompson and Ali Riley, both named to the starting XI. As many would expect, the match started off with both sides establishing themselves. Angel City broke through first in the 15th minute behind some excellent passing. Madison Hammond sent a great ball up the field to the running Scarlett Camberos who hesitated past the opposing keeper, leaving a wide open net. Camberos laid off a decent pass that was just enough for Clarisse Le Bihan to get onto for the slam home, and the lead.
Clarisse Le Bihan capitalizes on a Reign mistake to put @AngelCityFC ahead early on! 💥 pic.twitter.com/kfrcKmnrME
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 28, 2023
Despite their best efforts, OL Reign could not find the equalizer before the halftime break. ACFC did an excellent job at limiting the opposition’s chances, while continuing to put just enough pressure on to keep the defense honest. However, if Los Angeles wanted to come away with the win, they would need to shift into the next gear and secure some more goals.
The team got their opportunity in the 58th minute on a dangerous free kick. A perfect pass in found defender, Madison Hammond, who only needed one touch to put it past the keeper and double the lead. Just as it looked like the home side was getting ready to play defense the rest of the match, the attack came alive for some insurance.
A solid finish from @gohaamm sends @AngelCityFC two up! 💪 pic.twitter.com/vZ2xfCobXq
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 28, 2023
As is always the case with OL Reign, even a two goal advantage isn’t safe. The key to three points at this moment, is playing smart, not getting complacent, and making sure to limit mistakes. If there’s one thing Reign love, it’s opponents making it easy for them.
Speaking of easy, it doesn’t get much easier than a shot from the spot. In the 73rd minute OL Reign were awarded with a penalty, seeing Megan Rapinoe step up to the spot for her side. As expected, she finished it professionally, to cut the deficit in half with plenty of time left. It was game on for the home side.
It was real tense at the end, with the visitors putting on all the pressure, and LA just trying to defend for their deserved win. With extended stoppage time, there was still plenty left for the Reign to ruin the ACFC return. In the end, the team was able to see the win through to the end, securing a massive three points at home. The win vaults them right into the thick of the playoff race, just one point off the final spot. The team travel to fave KC Current next week, as they look to sneak their way into the postseason.
Thoughts on the return with a win? Leave a comment below!
1 Comment
Love it. Keep it going. It’s great to see the Scarlett, Madison and Clarisse get rewarded for all of the chemistry they built during the World Cup Season playing together while the other players were out. A good thing is going now but there are flat out studs working their way back in the lineup, too. The team is peaking at the right time. They just need a few more points to get into the playoffs, then watch out!