The offseason news continues to roll this week for Los Angeles side, Angel City FC, as they prepare for what will undoubtedly be a crucial season for the club. The team this morning announced the initial roster status as we head into the holidays, and the thick of what is sure to be a very busy time of year for teams around the league. After what many would consider a pretty disappointing season, changes are already being made with several players saying their goodbyes.
Always part of the ACFC family đź’Şđź–¤
Free agents whose contracts are not being renewed include goalkeeper DiDi Haračić, defender Jasmyne Spencer, midfielder Meggie Dougherty Howard, and forward Katie Johnson. We wish them all the best.
Roster updates: https://t.co/NjDLJjOAjd pic.twitter.com/m55c6Xba63
— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) December 10, 2024
Angel City FC’s current roster features the following players (in alphabetical order by last name):
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Goalkeepers: Angelina Anderson, Hannah Stambaugh
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Defenders: Elizabeth Eddy, Vanessa Gilles (ON LOAN), Sarah Gorden, Megan Reid, Ali Riley (SEI), Gisele Thompson, M.A. Vignola
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Midfielders: Jun Endo (SEI,INTL-JPN), Kennedy Fuller (U-18), Madison Hammond, Lily Nabet, Rocky RodrĂguez, Katie Zelem (INTL-ENG)
- Forwards: Messiah Bright, Claire Emslie, Sydney Leroux, Casey Phair (U-18), Alyssa Thompson.
The players that the club announced would not be having their contracts renewed are: Goalkeeper DiDi Haracic, Defender Jasmyne Spencer, Midfielder Meggie Dougherty Howard, and Forward Katie Johnson. Both Haracic and Spencer have been with the team since the inaugural season, while Dougherty Howard featured heavily in the midfield for Angel City this season. Forwards Sydney Leroux and Claire Emslie, who were both slated for free agency, have already signed their new contracts to keep them at the club through the 2025 season and beyond.
Veteran defender Merritt Mathias announced her retirement earlier in the season and the player under the longest loan spell in modern history, defender Vanessa Gilles, is said to be returning to Angel City when her loan ends in June 30th, 2025. Though, with the last one, its better to wait until we see her walk through those BMO doors before celebrating.
Last, but most certainly not least, the issue of Christen Press as she enters free agency. The club have confirmed through statement what many sources have said, which is they are working on getting a new contract done for the superstar striker and face of the franchise. It would truly be shocking if a deal can’t be reached, but crazier things have happened in this sport. That, as it stands, is your Angel City FC squad heading into 2025. Work to do, to say the least.
Thoughts on the initial roster? Leave a comment below!