After securing two points on the road with draws against two of the league’s best, Angel City FC was back at home and looking to keep the momentum going with a win. The team was playing host to KC Current, another team looking to shake off some early-season struggles, but coming into this one with three wins in a row under their belts.
Happy Birthday to the one and only, @sydneyleroux! We hope your day goes as hard as you do on the field. 🎂 pic.twitter.com/W3SbJHFtPT
— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) May 7, 2023
KC hadn’t given up a goal in their last three matches, so Angel City had their work cut out for them. Luckily, they came out on fire. After whittling away at the defense, young superstar in the making, Alyssa Thompson, scored an absolute stunner. Attacking at a difficult angle, Thompson took care of the defenders before sending in a bank shot that went off the post, before finding the back of the net.
An absolute stunner of a goal 😱
Take a bow, Alyssa Thompson. 👏 pic.twitter.com/d5H1GixMQ4
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 8, 2023
Just over ten minutes later, Angel City doubled their lead. Jun Endo got on the end of a great pass that freed her up along the wing. She found even more space before sending in a beautiful cross that found a sliding Claire Emslie who got just enough on it to give her side the 2-0 lead before the half.
Double trouble
A gorgeous cross and impressive finish from Claire Emslie gives Angel City a 2-0 lead! pic.twitter.com/VX8jxZ3NaL
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 8, 2023
In a shocking turn of events, despite just a few minutes left in the half, Angel City was not done extending their lead. In added time before the whistle before the halftime break, Jun Endo decided to get on the scoring sheet herself, splitting several defenders before finding enough room for the shot and third goal of the half.
Angel City can’t stop scoring!
Jun Endo makes it 3-0 with this class finish right before halftime ✨ pic.twitter.com/XajjOpFa5K
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 8, 2023
It was undoubtedly the best half of football we have seen from this Angel City side, as they went into the break with a nice 3-0 lead. The bugaboo for this side has been seeing matches through, and it appears they figure scoring a bunch of goals should go a long way in helping to solve such problems.
Unfortunately, not all good plans go as expected. Despite a solid three goal cushion, the potency of KC was in full effect early in the second half, as the visitors began to mount a comeback. Starting with a goal in the 57th minute courtesy of Izzy Rodriguez who sent in a shot made of pure vibes and rocket fuel. It went smoking past the ACFC goalkeeper for the goal.
Izzy Rodriguez said hold up, this one’s not over yet
What a finish for her first pro goal! pic.twitter.com/hCxwUUxs7C
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 8, 2023
Just minutes later, Cece Kizer showed why you should always follow up shots from teammates. After the initial attempt from KC was saved, Kizer tapped in the follow-up to cut the deficit down to just a goal. It was game on for the visitors, and an all too familiar scenario playing out for the home side.
GAME ON!!
Cece Kizer pulls another goal back for Kansas City, and we’ve got an instant classic on our hands 🍿 pic.twitter.com/4mrPP6DJW3
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 8, 2023
Despite the valiant attempt at a comeback, Angel City FC were finally able to see out a result, this time a really impressive win at home. This was by far the best match we have seen from Los Angeles, who desperately needed a win to keep the season from completely getting away from them. Bigger picture, this is now three straight matches with massive results, and while the feeling may be they should have more points, they haven’t been dropping them, which is the biggest of positives.
What do you think of the win? Leave a comment below!