Angel City FC acquire midfielder Raquel “Rocky” Rodriguez via trade with Portland Thorns

Now that their own free agents have all made their respective decisions, the time has come for Angel City FC to start really getting active in the market to add some talent to the roster. That began today, as the team announced the acquisition of veteran midfielder, Rocky Rodriguez, via trade with the Portland Thorns. Angel City FC is sending $275k in allocation money, with additional conditional funds to be paid against the transfer fee threshold, to Portland in exchange for the midfielder.

“I am so excited to be joining ACFC. I can’t wait to play for the city of Los Angeles,” stated Rodríguez. “I want to bring the very best of me to help this team be successful and bring excitement to the fans. ¡Vamos!”

“Rocky brings a high level of professionalism and presence to Angel City’s midfield and that’s combined with a tremendous amount of experience in this league and internationally as well,” said ACFC General Manager Angela Hucles Mangano in a statement. “We’re beyond thrilled that we are able to have her join our squad.”

Rodríguez has spent the past four seasons with Portland, where she made 72 match appearances in all competitions, earning seven goals and three assists in 4,745 total minutes on the pitch. She helped lead Portland to a 2021 NWSL Shield title, a 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup title, and a 2022 NWSL Championship. Prior to being acquired by Portland via trade with Sky Blue FC (now known as NJ/NY Gotham) in 2020, Rodríguez began her NWSL career when she was selected No. 2 overall in the 2016 NWSL Draft by the club. During her time with Sky Blue, she was named 2016 NWSL Rookie of the Year after appearing in 72 matches in all competitions, earning eight goals and five assists.

The biggest position need Angel City have is midfield, and this trade is a big step in fortifying that group. Rodriguez isn’t just a body either, she comes with veteran experience, as well as a championship mentality. She knows what it takes to finish the season with the Championship in hand, and that is invaluable to a relatively young squad like Los Angeles. Even better, the team were able to secure her talents without having to send a player to Portland. A true addition and a great one at that.

Thoughts on the move to bring Rocky to Los Angeles? Leave a comment below!