Photo Courtesy of NWSL.
Savannah McCaskil, left, has emerged as a offensive threat for Angel City FC during the NWSL Challenge Cup.
The day has finally arrived for Angel City FC.
After almost two years of announcements, promotional and community events, front office moves, coaching hires, roster moves, and preparation on the field during the NWSL Challenge Cup, Angel City will finally not only begin its inaugural regular season, but they will finally take the field at Banc of California Stadium on Friday night, as they host the Carolina Courage.
Angel City had used its six matches in the NWSL Challenge Cup to build chemistry on the field and perfect its tactics. Angel City went 1-4-1 in group play, though it’s last three matches did offer some hope for Angel City, as they went back-and-forth with San Diego Wave FC before falling short, then against OL Reign, Angel City equalized late in the second half and a draw, and with it a point, all but seemed certain, bit OL Reign snatched all three points from Angel City with a goal at the death in stoppage time. Angel City did close out group play with a 1-0 win against the Portland Thorns this past Sunday. Despite its subpar record in the Challenge Cup and not advancing to the knockout stages, Angel City is certainly banking on the experience and adversity it went through during this past month to benefit them as they embark on its inaugural season.
Angel City is expected to be carried by Christen Press, who has been one of the top players in NWSL and also for the U.S. Women’s national team. Press, who grew up in Palos Verdes in Los Angeles’ South Bay area, has played numerous teams in two different U.S. leagues and has also played overseas in Sweden and England for Manchester Unites, and at each stop has established herself as one of the top players, and her upcoming tenure with Angel City looks to be no different, as she has scored two goals in the five games she appeared in.
Photo courtesy of NWSL.
Christen Press will be the central focus of Angel City’s attack.
Photo courtesy of NWSL.
Angel City FC was all smiles after its first win in franchise history.
Press won’t be the only player that could make an impact. Savannah McCaskill has also impressed for Angel City during the Challenge Cup run, she scored the franchise’s first ever goal, and has also displayed qualities as both a playmaker and a goal-scoring threat. Other players that are expected to contribute on offense are Simone Charley, Tyler Lussi and Jun Endo. On defense, Angel City will feature Ali Riley, acquired from the Orlando Pride during the offseason, and Canadian International Vanessa Gilles. Angel City had also acquired Sarah Gorden and the rights to Julie Ertz from the Chicago Red Stars last December, but Gorden injured her knee during training camp and her status for the season is in doubt. Ertz meanwhile is not expected to play this season, as she and her husband, NFL tight end Zach Ertz, are expecting their first child.
The atmosphere at Banc of California Stadium, especially for Friday night’s game, is expected to be electric. Angel City’s community outreach and promotional efforts appeared to have paid off, as the team has sold 15,300 season tickets. The ownership for Angel City, just like the ownership of LAFC, is star studded, with big names such as Alexis Ohanian, Serena Williams, Eva Longoria and Natalie Portman. The ownership group also features a slew of USWNT legends, such as Julie Foudy, Abby Wambach, Shannon Boxx, Joy Fawcett and Mia Hamm, who also has a stake in LAFC.
Angel City FC
