The time has finally arrived. After a week stewing on the heartbreaking loss to Houston last time out, Angel City FC now have a chance to rid themselves of those bad vibes and get on track. The team is on the road this evening, taking on a very talented, very impressive Washington Spirit side that may have lost a huge key player, but have also seemingly gained a couple more. This will be another tough road test for LA, but given how well they’ve responded to previous tests, there is always the chance they come away with three massive points in D.C.
Matchday in The District
🆚 Washington Spirit
🥳 3:30 PM PT Watch Party at HiTops Los Feliz
⚽ 4:30 PM PT KickoffTune in:
📺 @IONNWSL (USA)
📺 NWSL+ (INT’L)
📻 @iHeartRadio (ENG)https://t.co/0ZrueViHzJ#Volemos | #NWSL | #WASvLA | #AngelCityFC pic.twitter.com/DKIlQXQfmk— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) May 18, 2024
Figuring out the Final Third
One of, if not the biggest problem for Angel City FC this season, seems to finally be the main focus going into this match. The finishing. For weeks we have talked about the team, despite flashes of brilliance from Alyssa Thompson to Claire Emslie, needing more in attack. Needing a partner in crime with Emslie who can create space on their own, can facilitate those around and most important, brings a bit more bite to the attack with some clinical finishing. It seems Head Coach Becki Tweed, agrees.
“I think the final third is the area we really need to focus on” she said speaking to media ahead of today’s match. “The build, us actually being in control to sustain possessions for periods of the game was highly improved to when I think about the game. Just being more in control of what we want in the final third, creating that identity in the final third is important. It’s a process, you can win games without your process being complete, but we know we have to be better in the final third.”
There are a few layers to the good news going into this match with a struggling attack. Firstly, last week was only the second time this season the team has been held scoreless, and if we are being honest, the final 15-25 minutes of last match was more playing for the point than going all out for a match winner. Even with the poor final third performance, Angel City typically get on the scoresheet one way or another. Second, this team has incredibly talented players. Alyssa Thompson and Claire Emslie are starting to find their form, and with teams seeing this and focusing defensively on it, they will need others to step up. Which brings us to three, and the point we have been loudest about, perhaps its time to start Messiah Bright.
The recent acquisition has seen just 150 minutes so far this season, usually coming on with little more than 15-20 minutes to make an impact. For those who may be unfamiliar with Bright, she made an appearance in every match last season making 16 starts. She scored six goals in league play, with one goal in the 2023 Challenge Cup. Bright is a player that can create, whether it be for herself, or drawing in defenders to help those around her. It’s not like the attack can get any worse with her getting 60-70 minutes to make a difference instead of just the last 15. Finally, the best news, the return of MA Vignola who we could see return to her starting role, or at the very least, see her come off the bench in her return to injury. Not just the talent, but the team are in desperate need of a player with her attitude, sometimes that extra bite you need, is a bruiser like Vignola.
Lightning in a bottle
The Washington Spirit are always a tough matchup for LA. The two teams have split their matches coming into this one, with Angel City getting the win in the first two meetings, but Washington coming away winners in the last two. No match has been decided by more than a goal, but that might all change tonight considering the talent on the pitch. By now, we all know the big key will be keeping Trinity Rodman as contained as possible, which LA have done well with historically. Even better, the team wont have to worry about Ashley Sanchez anymore, as they already dealt with her and her new team, NC Courage. However, the Spirit do have a rookie who is starting to pull away with the ROTY talk, a player who is rapidly garnering shouts for a USWNT call-up for the Olympics in just two months, midfielder Croix Bethune.
The first round draft pick has four goals, and four assists in Washington’s nine matches so far this season. As if covering Rodman wasn’t hard enough, the team now have to deal with her regen. The spirit, much like KC Current, are a team that can hang up several goals before you even get settled into the match, so weathering that initial burst, and limiting their chances (far easier said than done) are going to be the biggest keys to stealing three points on the road this evening.
How To Watch
Tonight’s match against Washington Spirit is set for a 4:30pm PT kickoff from Audi Field in Washington, D.C. The match will be broadcast live ION here in the US, and over on NWSL+ for International fans. There will also be an English-language radio broadcast over on iHeart Radio.
Thoughts on the match? Leave a comment below!