San Diego Wave 1, Angel City FC 2: Thompson brace lifts Angel City into playoff position

Angel City FC took the pitch in their return to NWSL action against San Diego Wave today, form Snapdragon stadium in San Diego. Coming into the match, the visitors were looking to get the second half of the season started off right with a big win on the road against their rivals. With both teams coming in just three points off the playoff line, this was set to be a match to set the tone for the remainder of the season. For Angel City the  big question coming in is, which team will we see? The one from earlier in the year, or the seemingly revitalized side from the past few weeks.

Volando 🪽🪽#Volemos | #NWSL | #SDvLA | #AngelCityFC pic.twitter.com/sJ2moZxIFs

— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) August 24, 2024

One player who had a really great break, was second-year forward Alyssa Thompson. The young attacker has struggled some this season in front of goal, but despite that she has made her impact felt in other ways. Still, for an attacker, the goals are what you want and after netting a penalty in the team’s last friendly, we all wondered if it would be the start of something for Thompson. Well, today answered that.

It took just 20 minutes for Angel City to put the pressure on San Diego. Alyssa Thompson used her electric pace to blow past defenders on the run, as she found the receiving end of a great pass. With Sheridan coming out to defend, Thompson put the moves on the opposing keeper, getting past her and slotting it home for the goal, the lead, and her first NWSL goal of the season.

The poise. The finish.

Alyssa Thompson is a serious talent! pic.twitter.com/rPbsz6EVvx

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 24, 2024

Thompson wasn’t done, as just under ten minutes later she was once again putting defenders on skates in the middle of the box. Once she found the space she needed, she sent a rocket towards goal that Sheridan did get hands on, but it wasn’t enough as the shot trickled into the back of the net. The goal doubled the lead for Angel City as well as gave Thompson her first-ever brace in all competitions.

Alyssa Thompson notches her first-ever brace in all competitions in style 🤩 pic.twitter.com/zV6TIfKj0P

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 24, 2024

The first half came to a close with Angel City in full control. They went into the break leading with 56% possession but more than that, their possession was actually effective. We once again saw a Los Angeles side that played less out the back, and more build-ups in the opponent’s side of the pitch. They only managed four shots, but two of those found the back of the net, so again, efficiency was key. They held San Diego to zero shots, and more importantly, zero goals.

As the teams were leaving into the locker room, Alyssa Thompson was seen in deep conversation with Christen Press and Sydney Leroux. It was Press who Thompson ran to when celebrating her first goal, as the veteran forward has played a huge role in helping Alyssa regain some of her confidence, as well as giving her tips on how to be as clinical as possible. That extra help is proving to be exactly what the youngster needed.

Angel City FC picked up in the second half right where they left off. They kept putting the pressure on the home side as they went hunting for that third goal. Through 80 minutes of match action it looked like that third goal wasn’t going to come. Even without it, the team had done well to keep San Diego from any open chances. The home side did finally put together a couple of shots at goal, but only one really came close to finding the back of the net. That was an effort that saw Angel City FC keeper DiDi Haracic having to use all of her arms’ length to get a hand on it and keep the sheet clean for Los Angeles.

It took a while but in the 83rd minute Christen Press made her official return to the NWSL, coming in for a regular season match for the first time in over two years. With that, it is our extreme pleasure to say, welcome back, Christen. We’ve missed you. San Diego wouldn’t go out without a fight and with one of their last actions of the match, managed to cut the lead in half off a free kick. A late frenzy form the home side wouldn’t be enough though.

The final whistle blew on proceedings and it was Angel City who came away with the massive win on the road and the even more massive three points in their pockets. The win puts Angel City in full control of their destiny as things stand, they slide right into the final playoff spot with nine matches left. They are tied on points with Bay FC, but hold the goal differential tie breaker. However, Racing Louisville do play later this evening, and a win for them puts them over Los Angeles. With everything to play for down the stretch, this should be a wild finish to yet another season.

Thoughts on the win? Leave a comment below!