Angel City FC is wasting no time in building its roster.
On Thursday, Angel City announced they had acquired the rights to star midfielder Julie Ertz and defender Sarah Gorden from the Chicago Red Stars. In addition, Angel City will also receive an international roster spots in 2022 and 2023 from Chicago, and in return, the Red Stars will receive full protection from Angel City in the expansion draft.
“Julie Ertz and Sarah Gorden are two players that are so important for the defensive foundation we are building on the Angel City roster,” said ACFC Sporting Director Eni Aluko. “We know successful football teams need to have competitive defenses and we are delighted with the addition of two competitive defenders with many years of NWSL experience.”
Ertz is regarded as one of the best players in women’s soccer. She first established herself as a mainstay in the starting 11 of the US Women’s National Team in the 2015 World Cup in Canada, where she started all seven matches as a center back in the USWNT’s run to its first World Cup title since 1999. Ertz soon established herself as a mainstay for the USWNT, even switching positions, going from the backline to Central Midfield, and her play was key in the USWNT’s run to its second straight World Cup title in France in 2019. Professionally, Ertz spent her career with the Chicago Red Stars, leading them to playoff appearances for six straight seasons, including appearances in the final in 2019 and 2021 as well as the final of the inaugural NWSL Challenge Cup in 2020.
Gorden was drafted by the Red Stars in 2016, but it wasn’t until this season the Gorden established herself as one of the best defenders in NWSL. Gorden played every minute of the 2021 season, and her performance earned her a nomination for NWSL defender of the year.
“The level of experience and leadership that both Julie Ertz and Sarah Gorden bring to a team is incredible,” said ACFC Head Coach Freya Coombe. “Julie is such a known leader and competitor on top of being a rock in the middle of the field. Sarah is absolutely one of the league’s best defenders. She was excellent all season and stood out in the NWSL Championship. They are the calibre of player that we want on the field playing for Angel City.”
Barring any more moves, Angel City, along with San Diego Wave FC will get their first real chances to build their rosters starting with the aforementioned Expansion Draft, which will be held on December 16 in Los Angeles. Two days later will be the College Draft, which will also be held in Los Angeles.
