There is no way around it, we are rapidly approaching the point in the season where Angel City FC must win if they want to have any hopes of salvaging what has been a disappointing campaign to say the least. The team are on the road tonight, but up against a team that should provide a little more motivation than usual. Just a month after their last match, the team face Houston Dash in a rematch of the heartbreaking loss they suffered at home. With a returning Sarah Gorden and MA Vignola getting match fit, LA come into this one with some positive news. Now, they just need to use that good energy to come away with a win on the road, and perhaps the spark to ignite the season going forward.
Tunnel vision 💥#Volemos | #NWSL | #HOUvLA | #AngelCityFC pic.twitter.com/PlgkyUOPvv
— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) June 15, 2024
Angel City in the first half looked much like they have all season. A team that is so tantalizingly close to finding the back of the net with consistency, yet completely unable to find that key to unlocking the final third. For the most part, they controlled the match. Finishing the half with 66% possession, nine shots and 230 successfull passes compared to Houston’s 90. 113 of those passes came in Houston’s half, with 13 touches coming in the Dash box, but Los Angeles couldn’t find the goal.
The home side Dash had a couple of moments where they looked to steal the lead, but it was all LA, who couldn’t pull away despite dominating. Given how the last match went, it would be imperative for Angel City to find a goal, maybe even two, early on in the second half to really push on for the three points that are there for the taking.
The Dash came out with a bit more fight in the second half, but it was still Angel City who got the better chances early, none better than the one in the 54th minute after being awarded a penalty. Claire Emslie stepped up to the spot, and Houston keeper Jane Campbell came up big with the save to keep it scoreless. It’s just been that type of season for Los Angeles.
While the tough breaks piled on for LA, Houston started to get more and more chances at the goal. Albeit awkward chances that hardly threatened, but through 75 minutes, they looked the favorites to come away with a late winner. With the struggles in front of goal continuing for ACFC, it was all about, at the very least, getting the point on the road in this match.
After a second half filled with players going down for treatment, we were met with 13 minutes of stoppage time to close out the match. Despite Houston finding their legs late once again against Angel City, the squad were able to see out the draw and escape Texas with the point. The team get set for a short turnaround, with a match at home against Racing Louisville this Wednesday.
Thoughts on the draw? Leave a comment below!