If there has been one problematic area on the pitch for Angel City FC, it’s been the midfield. While not at all for a lack of talent, the team has struggled to find the right combination of players to find the success they know they can achieve in the middle of the pitch. Today, the club announced a more than viable solution to their problem, with the signing of USWNT midfielder, Julie Ertz.
Get to know the newest member of #AngelCityFC, Julie Ertz. ¡Volemos! pic.twitter.com/WJHpGC8tcb
— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) April 17, 2023
“I am so thrilled to be joining one of the most exciting clubs in the world in Angel City FC,” said Ertz in a statement. “From the moment they traded for my rights up until now, they have been unwavering in their support of my journey. I cannot wait to get to work with the team and finally experience the amazing game day atmosphere.”
“Julie is a world-class player who has proven herself time and again at both club and national team levels,” said ACFC Head Coach Freya Coombe in a statement. “In addition to her quality on the ball, she will help us defend higher up the field and against opponent transition. Her leadership and World Cup and Olympic medal-winning experience will undoubtedly help us on our quest for a championship.”
Ertz is a two-time Olympian, having represented the US in the 2016 Olympics in Rio and won bronze in the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo. She is also a two-time World Cup winner who played a key role on both the 2015 and 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup teams. As an individual, Ertz won the US Soccer Female Player of the Year honor in 2017 and 2019. She has 118 international caps, including two during the most recent international break, which marked her return to the USWNT for the first time since the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
Julie Ertz is officially part of our team! Let's gear up for matchday!
— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) April 17, 2023
“It goes without saying how massive it is for our club to have Julie as a member of our team,” said ACFC General Manager Angela Hucles Mangano in a statement. “Her focus, determination, leadership, and championship mindset set her apart from most players. She adds tremendous value to any environment she’s a part of. We’re thrilled she chose Angel City in her return to the game.”
Despite the team looking inconsistent, this move very much feels like Thanos acquiring the final Infinity Stone. Especially when the team can finally welcome back Sydney Leroux and Christen Press who have yet to feature this season due to injury. It may take a match or two for Ertz to find her rhythm within this squad as she gets familiar with her new teammates, but make no mistake, this is a move that doesn’t just fill a need, it’s a move that vastly improves the entire squad. Track Meet FC, indeed.
What do you think about the signing? Leave a comment below!