Before the playoff push in the NWSL begins for Angel City FC, they look to sneak into the next round of the UKG NWSL Challenge Cup. The team will put their recent form to the test against SoCal rivals, San Diego Wave FC. With players on both sides still fighting for World Cup glory, this would be another match where anything could happen.
Ya hemos llegado 😎#AngelCityFC | #NWSL | #UKGChallengeCup pic.twitter.com/HXH3j8qHJd
— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) August 5, 2023
The match took it’s tone from the weather, getting off to a hot start. The home side, Wave FC got on the scoresheet first, after a costly poor pass from Angel City goalkeeper, DiDi Haracic. Wave’s Jaedyn Shaw got on the ball, and despite the angle, slotted it past the keeper for the lead.
.@JaedynShaw11 goes defense to offense and gets San Diego on the board! pic.twitter.com/wvFNP3zijb
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 5, 2023
This new-feel Angel City isn’t the type of side to hang their heads or let in multiple goals at a time. They locked down on defense, and just six minutes later found an equalizer of their own. Scarlett Camberos put her defender on skates, and decided to take the shot despite the tough angle for her, but the strike was pure and found the back of the net.
Buckle up because this goal was FIRE 🔥
Scarlett Camberos scores her first NWSL goal for #AngelCityFC pic.twitter.com/v3htHPguue
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 5, 2023
Those would be the only goals for the half, but the action was plenty. San Diego edged out Angel City in shots with eight, but the five that the visitors got nearly put them in the lead. It was clear from the first half that neither side wanted to settle for draws, and for Angel City, a win could see them advance after a tough start to the tournament. The team’s went into the halftime even, after setting the stage for an explosive second half.
Haracic more than made up for her earlier blunder in the second half, taking the form of a brick wall when the home side began to pepper the goal with continuous shots to start of the half. After several key saves, the team settled down and the match continued to remain even through 70 minutes. The Wave, who were already eliminated from seeing the next round, began to focus on player health and the subs were made, opening the door just a bit more for Angel City who still had nothing to lose in going all-out for the win.
A valiant effort falls short for Angel City, who needed a win to even have a chance at advancing. The draw means their hopes of a semifinal are over, as they can now shift full focus to getting themselves into a playoff spot in the NWSL. The team will have some time to prepare and hopefully, get healthier. They resume NWSL action on August 19th, on the road against Racing Louisville.
What do you think of the team’s playoff chances? Leave a comment below!