Angel City FC are at home, hosting East Coast rivals Gotham FC in what is the last NWSL match before the league takes a summer break for the 2024 Summer Olympics. While Angel City may not be sending anyone to the USWNT roster, they do have a few call-ups for tournaments surrounding the games as well as one Olympian in defender and Captain, Ali Riley, who is once again called to represent New Zealand. That said, going into the break riding the high of a result is exactly what this team need, and in the worst way.
¡Nos vemos mañana!
🗓️ Sat, 7/6
🆚 Gotham FC
🤝 Olympics Sendoff pres. by @birdiesslippers
🥳 4PM Street Fair
⚽️ 7PM KickoffTune in: https://t.co/0ZrueViHzJ
📺 @IONNWSL (US)
📻 @iHeartRadio (ENG)
📻 @TuLigaRadio (SPA)
🌎 NWSL+ (INT’L)#Volemos | #NWSL | #LAvGFC | #AngelCityFC pic.twitter.com/f70EqPTx8J— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) July 5, 2024
Olympic-sized obstacle ahead
Speaking of teams and Olympians, the one team sending a handful of USWNT players to Paris, is the incoming Gotham FC. For anyone who missed the passed offseason, the defending champions didn’t sit on their laurels and they didn’t run it back. Instead they loaded up on supreme talent and it has paid off. Gotham come into this match sitting in fourth place, and looking to keep pace with the teams in the top three. Of the top five teams, Gotham have by far the fewest goals scored, but are top of the league in goals allowed. They also come into Saturday holding the historic advantage, with Gotham winning three of the five meetings, with just one loss. The last time these two met just a few weeks ago, it was one of the better performances we saw from Angel City in a close defeat that could’ve gone their way.
Result, by any means necessary
Speaking of not going their way, the season has not gone the way this team had imagined it would. With how last year ended, and with most of the squad returning, it looked like Angel City was finally ready to take that step as competitors. Alas, sports are cruel and here we are fighting just to have an outside chance at a postseason. Which is why this match is so crucial. This team need a break. They need time to heal, reflect on the first half of the season, figure out what’s wrong and make some much needed changes with the aim of making the most of the final stretch once returning from break.
That said, tonight’s match against the Gotham wont be easy. As mentioned, this is a supremely talented team and while its likely the Olympians see limited minutes to avoid last minute injury, they will still see some action. If Angel City can weather the toughest part of the match, then they can put themselves in a position to smash and grab one at home. Most importantly, as has been the story for them all year, they need to finish their chances. Even just slightly improved play in the final third will do wonders for this team, and with the lower seeded teams still at an arms reach, this is another massive opportunity for this team to try and turn this season around.
How To Watch
Tonight’s match is set for 7:00pm PT kickoff from BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca. The match will be broadcast live on Ion. It can also be streamed live on NWSL+ for International fans. There will also be an English-language radio broadcast over on iHeart Radio. As well as a Spanish-language radio broadcast on 980 La Mera Mera.