Typically, getting a draw at home would feel like a loss. Sure, there might be a tiny part of Angel City that does feel that way, nearly bagging a third goal on several occasions that would have most definitely gotten them all the points. And sure, allowing the smallest player on the pitch to absolutely dunk on you with a header to level it does feel like it should never happen, no matter how great she is, but in the end, last night felt much more like a win than disappointment. At a time in the season where every point matters, where the really important matches are still down the road, at home against one of the hottest teams in the NWSL featuring Trinity Rodman and Croix Bethune, with 99% of the football world expecting you to get blown out, you absolutely take that point. Every day of the week.
That’s game. 🤝
🔜 9.27 #LOUvLA#Volemos | #NWSL | #LAvWAS | #AngelCityFC pic.twitter.com/JUsAGG300G— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) September 19, 2025
Things weren’t looking too good at the start of the match, when just 10 minutes in Trinity Rodman had earned a penalty. Angel City defender Miyabi was a bit too aggressive in her effort to go for the ball in the box, and ended up fouling Rodman. After a quick VAR check, Trinity was taking her shot from the spot. What really hurt to watch, was ACFC goalkeeper Angelina Anderson was able to flash her shot-stopping ability, saving the initial penalty attempt, only to watch the rebound land right back at Rodman’s feet, who made the most of her second bite at the apple. The second attempt went in with ease, and Washington were up early.
Trinity Rodman’s pk is saved but she didn’t let that stop her from scoring 👀
In the past, this would have been the moment Angel City crumbled and watched as the Spirit ran away with a win, but things under Alex Straus have been a lot different. While the new coach doesn’t like to use the word ‘mentality’ and would rather say the team are building habits, it has been the shift in culture that has been most noticeable under Straus. The team doesn’t hang their heads, they don’t give up on matches or run from the obstacles that crop up during the match, and last night was no different. Just minutes after conceding, Angel City struck right back with some excellent passing. Jónsdóttir got the ball to Gisele Thompson, who took on the defense, stretch them out, then was able to keep the ball in play just long enough to send a nice pass into the box. Flying in for the shot was Evelyn Shores who smashed it on the first touch, sending into the back of the net for the equalizer and her first-ever NWSL goal.
Sveindís Jónsdóttir ➡️ Gisele Thompson ➡️ Evelyn Shores for her first NWSL goal 🙌
The first half ended not just even on the scoreboard, but was even throughout. Washington definitely had the more threatening chances with heir seven shots, but Angel City were being aggressive and got off four shots of their own, one the equalizer early. That said, it was definitely a match that showcased just how good LA goalkeeper Angelina Anderson can be. She was called on several times and answered the call with some really big saves to keep the Spirit out of the back of the net.
The halftime talk must have went really well, because it was Angel City who came out for the second half throwing haymakers early. Sometimes in soccer, it’s about just putting yourself and the ball in the best positions to score, even if you aren’t the one to score. Riley Tiernan did just that in the 55th minute when she was able to get enough space to let off a shot, and while the attempt itself didn’t look like it was going into the back of the net, a deflection off the Spirit defender sent the ball right past the keeper for the lead. It doesn’t always matter how it’s done, just that it’s done.
55′ | WAS own goal, after a shot by Riley Tiernan.#Volemos | #NWSL | #LAvWAS 2-1 | #AngelCityFC pic.twitter.com/LsqYi6JHT7
— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) September 19, 2025
As expected though, the Spirit weren’t about to let that slide and go out quietly. The second half saw the visitors unleash 14 shots, slamming their foot on the gas and doing all they could to not only find the equalizer, but the win as well. In the end, they did find one of those things. In the 70th minute a good ball into the box found its way to Croix Bethune, who may be the smallest player on the pitch, but she climbed the ladder and showed off her bounce when she leaped over the Angel City defense to get her head on the ball. The effort was enough to find its way past Anderson, putting the teams even once again.
Croix Bethune with the header AND the sauce 💫
It was a tense 20 minutes to see out the match for Angel City, with Washington putting together a few more really good looks at the goal. In the end, they weren’t able to find their winner on the road, and the teams would have to settle for shared points. For LA, it was far less settling, and slightly more celebrating as they took on one of the best teams in the league and were able to avoid the loss at home. Again, usually draws at home feel disappointing, but this was one was huge for an Angel City side still in the midst of a playoff push. With the real important matchups still ahead, ensuring they came away with at least a point last night was critical, and it was mission accomplished. Now, comes the time to hunt for wins, starting next weekend when they hit the road to take on Racing Louisville, who are currently the team just a few points ahead of them, occupying that final playoff spot.
Thoughts on the draw against the Spirit? Leave a comment below!