Angel City FC were back on the road, making their second trip to Seattle this season to take on OL Reign. It’s the third meeting so far this year between the two sides, with the previous two matchups coming in NWSL Challenge Cup action. Angel City were looking to keep their unbeaten run on the road intact, aiming to kickoff this road trip with three points.
🗣️ #AngelCityFC is in the building 🗣️#Volemos | #NWSL | #RGNvLA pic.twitter.com/JndHR4mSpL
— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) May 27, 2023
Angel City came out with a clear plan in this one. Star forward Sydney Leroux made her return from injury this afternoon, but started the match on the bench with many unsure if she would see the pitch. The team was also missing standout MA Vignola and Paige Nielsen who were both out due to COVID protocol. With Jun Endo playing in the defense, ACFC came out playing a stifling press. It appeared to work as the home side struggled to figure out the press and defensive shape the visitors deployed.
It only took about 15 minutes before the Reign were able to start finding ways to break down Angel City. However, it was still Los Angeles to draw first blood in the 27th minute. It was Claire Emslie who sponsored this particular corner kick, smashing in an Olimpico from the flag.
You don’t see this every day!! 🤩@emslie22 curls it in from the corner for an Olimpico goal to put Angel City in front! pic.twitter.com/hI3hM9YsVv
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 27, 2023
Almost expectantly, the Reign didn’t let the moment of brilliance get them down, and proceeded to find the equalizer just seven minutes later. Megan Rapinoe served up a beauty, putting it where it needed to be for Elyse Bennett to tap in for the equalizer, as well as her first goal as a member of the Reign.
Cross 🤝 Finish
Megan Rapinoe puts it on a platter for Elyse Bennett and she slots it home to equalize 🔥 pic.twitter.com/3OcnOAgEcz
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 27, 2023
Given the situation, it was surely Angel City going into the halftime break feeling the better of the two sides. OL Reign racked up 12 shots in the first half, with six on target, but only one finding the back of the net. Angel City was more quality than quantity, with just three shots, but two were on target and one found the net. If the team could find a way to score a couple more as well as continue to be strong defensively, a huge three points could be in the cards.
That hope only got slimmer in the second half, and it didn’t take long to get there. OL Reign took advantage of Jun Endo coming off with a knock, leaving the team a player down as they situated a substitute. In that time Veronica Latsko took the chance to shoot her shot and put a banger past the Angel City goalkeeper, for the lead.
Veronica Latsko with a banger to give OL Reign the lead 🚀 pic.twitter.com/1GQfBOGozq
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 27, 2023
Just moments latter, Latsko secured a brace with her second goal of the match. A sloppy effort defensively saw the cross find Latsko with space, as she extended the lead for the home team.
Two minutes later… Latsko does it again, finishing off a perfect Pinoe pass 🧑🍳💋 pic.twitter.com/8wvmOt9B58
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 27, 2023
The brief collapse was another in what has become an alarming trend for LA. For whatever reason, there have been more than a few times, where five-minute spans completely take the team out of matches. Reign drove home the dagger late in the match courtesy of Quinn’s first-ever NWSL goal. They did a great job of getting past a defender, creating some space and unloading a shot from just outside the box.
GOODNESS GRACIOUS!
How’s this for Quinn’s first ever NWSL goal?! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Stcp12Q1MQ
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 27, 2023
The loss marked the first one for Angel City on the road in 2023, putting an end to an impressive run given the tough opponents they have had to visit so far this season. Things only get a bit tougher, with the team set for a short turnaround. The squad travel to Portland, taking on the Thorns in NWSL Challenge Cup action, Wednesday. After not making an appearance today, that could be the match Sydney Leroux makes her much anticipated return.
How do you feel about the match? Leave a comment below!