To call any match a ‘must-win’ just five games into the season would be a major overstatement, but coming into this match, Angel City FC needed something to kickstart form for the long season ahead. After a slow start, despite starting the season with four of their first six matches at home, ACFC had to hit the road against the defending champions Portland Thorns. While the points are always important, Angel City more-so needed to put in a performance that they could build upon going forward.
Picture this: Angel City FC vs Portland Thorns!
7:30 PM PT
Providence ParkWatch parties: @joxerculvercity & @underdogsglendale
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@tuligaradio1330 1330 AM (SPA)
https://t.co/OWYaatCJ4C (INT’L)#Volemos | #NWSL | #PORvLA | #AngelCityFC pic.twitter.com/dNuSznqlJ9— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) April 29, 2023
Angel City came out exactly how they needed to and then some. The passing was sharp, the ideas were clear and the visitors were even able to get on the scoreboard first early on into the match. Alyssa Thompson, who continues to show why she was the top pick in this year’s draft, gave her side the lead with a moment of pure brilliance. A perfect first touch sent the ball over the defender, while she sped right past, and connected with the ball on the other side. From there it was all about staying calm and finishing which Thompson did with ease for the lead in the 10th minute.
Speed. Alyssa Thompson IS speed 💨 pic.twitter.com/bTdUr3HoUr
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 30, 2023
Portland were awarded a penalty late into the half. The last thing you want to do is give a team like Portland a point-blank chance at a goal, and in the 30th minute, Hina Sugita stepped up to the spot and converted to bring the match level. Both teams went into the halftime break with a goal and three points on their minds.
It was always going to be an uphill battle to keep Portland from scoring more goals, and in the 65th minute they showed everyone exactly why that is. Young phenom Olivia Moultrie put in an absolutely perfect pass into the box that curled and found Morgan Weaver. The latter had a difficult angle, but was able to slot it past the post for the goal and the lead.
.@olivia_moultrie ➡️ Morgan Weaver = 🥵🌹 pic.twitter.com/54nSgi8KiQ
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 30, 2023
Angel City wasn’t done fighting though, which itself was such a joy to see given the way this season has started. In the 74th minute, Claire Emslie took full advantage of a well-placed free kick and sent in a great ball that found Katie Johnson in the box. Johnson climbed the ladder and got just enough of her head on the ball to send it into the back of the net for the late equalizer.
Count it for @katieajohnson33! pic.twitter.com/dt92qVS3EO
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 30, 2023
The visitors looked set to shock the world with a massive win on the road behind a clutch moment from the team’s newest signing, Julie Ertz. Another free-kick, this one from the opposite side, was put in beautifully and found a leaping Ertz who headed it in perfectly for the late-lead and what many of us had hoped, the eventual win.
SHE’S BAAAACCKKK @julieertz pic.twitter.com/7K8q49DO3z
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 30, 2023
The thing about championship teams like Portland Thorns, is they never give up. They never stop poking, prodding, and going for goals. That was the case once again last night as they absolutely were not about to just let Angel City FC come up on confidence at their expense. In extra added time, the Thorns had one last chance via corner kick. A decent ball into the box was nearly grabbed by a leaping Haracic, unfortunately it came loose at the end and fell to fellow goalkeeper, Bella Bixby, who flashed a backheel for the goal. Breaking hearts in Los Angeles, and securing at least a point for Portland.
BELLA BIXBY JUST DID THAT!!! @bellageist pic.twitter.com/CwoqMg7c5g
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 30, 2023
Had anyone said this team would come away with the draw, on the road, against the defending champions, everyone would take that in a heartbeat. However, as with everything, it’s all about context and give the way this match went, there is definitely a feeling of disappointment. This was a prime opportunity to come away with all three points over a tough opponent and while splitting the points is far from bad, it’s another ‘what could have been’ moment for a team that has had way too many of those in their short existence.
How are you feeling about the result? Leave a comment below!