Challenge accepted: Angel City FC 2, San Diego Wave FC 1

After a slightly disappointing scoreless draw at the weekend, Angel City FC were back in action against SoCal rivals, San Diego Wave FC. The midweek test was more Challenge Cup action for the LA side, who truthfully would be wise to use these matches to try different tactics, as well as different rotations, with the chances of advancing, slim.

¡Vamos Angel City! #Volemos | #NWSL | #UKGChallengeCup pic.twitter.com/yHQzqbbX2B

— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) June 28, 2023

Angel City FC woke up Los Angeles on a Wednesday, starting off the match with a bang. On their first set piece of the night, a corner kick presented by Cedars-Sinai, the ball found its target, and the initial shot was helped out by Madison Hammond who got just enough on it with her had to get it past the keeper for her first-ever goal in the NWSL, and the leading goal just two minutes into the match.

Go off @gohaamm with your first goal of the season 🥳 pic.twitter.com/6emvt9bVxU

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 29, 2023

After setting the tone, Angel City made sure to take full control of the match early. In the 18th minute a few key passes caught Yanez out just enough for Clarisse Le Bihan to have a clear look on goal. She took the shot well enough to finish and doubled the lead for Los Angeles. The team took that two goal lead into the halftime break.

Clarisse Le Bihan knocks one in for @weareangelcity pic.twitter.com/ZQFpkfdg33

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 29, 2023

Angel City did an excellent job to open up the second half just as strong, but as expected, San Diego weren’t about to go away that easily. In the 63rd minute, Wave midfielder Danielle Colaprico got on the end of a bouncy ball off the corner kick, and from just inside the box unloaded a shot that screamed past Isenhour to cut the lead in half.

.@dannycolaprico with the left-footed laser! pic.twitter.com/DIfKTuHOIE

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 29, 2023

ACFC did something that has suddenly become a thing they do, which is lockdown and not let adversity get to them. Despite giving up the incredible goal, the team was able to settle in and secure their first win of the Challenge Cup for 2023. The win is the second win in three matches (both against San Diego), extending their unbeaten run to three. Things are starting to look up for LA, who very much still everything to play for.

Thoughts on the match? Leave a comment below!