It’s back to NWSL regular season action for Angel City FC, as the squad enter the playoff push phase of the year. Even better, the team come into this match with several key players making a return to action, giving the LA side a much-needed and welcomed boost in this critical point in the season.
Today’s starting Xl 🙌#Volemos | #NWSL | #LOUvLA | #AngelCityFC pic.twitter.com/2Jfdr3OIwy
— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) August 19, 2023
On the road, the LA side got a needed boost with the return of forward Sydney Leroux and defender MA Vignola, both coming back from injury. The team also saw the return of the World Cup departures, with Alyssa Thompson and Ali Riley making their official on-pitch returns to Angel City. Now, the team just needed to keep the momentum rolling and secure more points while keeping the unbeaten run alive.
The first half looked like two sides not trying to risk too much, too soon. Angel City came out with a great high-press that seemed to stifle the hosts early in the half. It took a while, but Louisville started to find some openings late in the half. They began to find space and test the ACFC defense, but luckily couldn’t breakthrough for the lead. Both sides went into the half even and scoreless. LA got off more shots (8), but couldn’t find the target enough to get it in the back of the net. The teams split possession right down the middle at 50%, setting up for a wild second half with both sides very much looking like teams that wanted the three points.
The second half went much like the first, with both sides peppering the opposing goal every so often as they continued to look for openings. It remained scoreless through 65 minutes, as the substitutes and tactical battle begun heading into the final stage of the match. Fresh off the bench, it was Angel City’s Katie Johnson who came onto the pitch and scored in the 67th minute. The forward timed her run perfectly, getting on the end of a perfect pass from midfielder Savannah McCaskill. Want an idea of just how close the playoff race in the NWSL is? That goal catapulted ACFC from 11th, into seventh place in the standings. Now, they just had to hold on, or you know, add more goals.
A beautiful build-up 🎨
Katie Johnson comes off the bench to give Angel City the lead! #LOUvLA pic.twitter.com/ObcoXCYdTT
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 20, 2023
Racing found the equalizer in the 79th minute behind a rocket of a pass into the box that found Kirsten Davis who headed it home. There was still plenty of time for LA, who only put on more pressure after conceding.
The equalizer!!
Kirsten Davis giving this record @RacingLouFC crowd a moment to remember! #LOUvLA pic.twitter.com/C8NmBZ9Zq7
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 20, 2023
Despite some excellent chances late, from both teams, the winning goal was not to be found. Frustrating for sure, but a fair result given the flow of the match. While not a win and a massive leap, the draw does move the team a spot up, into tenth, as they see just how close this race is. Extending the unbeaten run to eight, it’s time to buckle up and settle in for a wild finish to the season. The squad is back at home next Sunday, taking on OL Reign.
Thoughts on the match? Leave a comment below!
