It’s almost frustrating just how much it seems like all the stars are aligning for Angel City FC to make another playoff push. The frustration coming, from the team continuing to not take advantage of all the opportunities presented to them, especially down the stretch of the season. Favorable matchups ending in dropped points, incredible individual form undone by the smallest of mistakes, it’s been tough for ACFC to find their footing consistently as of late. Alas, another massive opportunity has presented itself, and while it will be important the team take advantage, its equally important they don’t come into this evening thinking it will be easy.
☀️ BUENOS DÍAS, LOS ANGELES ☀️
🤝 Celebración de Culturas presented by @BMO_US
🎉 4:30 PM Street Fair
⚽️ 7:00 PM KickoffTune in
📺 @sportsonprime (USA)
📻 @iheartradio (ENG)
📻 @980amlameramera (SPA)
🌍 NWSL+ (INT’L)#Volemos | #NWSL | #LAvWAS | #AngelCityFC pic.twitter.com/UNGLlFXwHJ— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) September 27, 2024
One eye on the postseason
The best part about being a team that has already clinched their spot in the playoff, is that you can afford to sit some of your key players in the name of rest, knowing the real important matchups are yet to come. That is the case with the Washington Spirit who come into tonight sitting in second place, having already secured their spot in the playoffs. They also come into the match missing Croix Bethune who is out for the rest of the season with an injury suffered weeks ago, and reports are that defender Casey Kruger and star forward Trinity Rodman will also be out with injuries, though Head Coach Jonatan Giráldez has stated it is mostly precautionary.
That said, Spirit might be shorthanded, but they are not to be taken lightly. They have won three of their last five, with just one loss. While they obviously have one eye on the postseason as Orlando Pride pull away at the top, Washington will still be looking for three points as they hold out hope for a late-season slip from Orlando. Outside of their recent 3-0 loss to KC Current, the Spirit have not allowed more than a single goal to any opponent over the last five matches. Angel City will also have their hands full with Ashley Hatch and Leicy Santos who can both find their shots and wreak havoc on a defense.
Within reach
Just one run. That’s all Angel City need to catapult themselves into the postseason where anything can happen. Just a few matches where they can string together some solid performances and come away with three points. Despite sitting in 10th currently, the team are only three points off the line, and while they will need some help from those above them, they mostly need to look in the mirror and focus on themselves. Once again the team has a massive opportunity to really make up some ground and put the pressure on some of the squads that feel like are starting to pull away. Its been three matches without a win for Los Angeles, losing two of their last three.
The good news, unlike earlier in the season the team have been able to score with a bit more consistency and challenge for goals a lot more often. Their passing and midfield play, or lack there of, still leaves plenty to be desired, but they have found ways to get the ball into the back of the net as of late. Now, they just have to clean up silly mistakes, not allow opponents to get clean looks at goal.
How To Watch
Tonight’s kickoff is set for 7:00pm PT from BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca. The match will be broadcast live and can be streamed on Amazon Prime for those in the US and NWSL+ for International fans. Those looking for a radio broadcast can find the match on iHeart Radio for English, and Tu Liga Radio 1330AM for the Spanish broadcast.
Thoughts on the match tonight? Leave a comment below!