Following Angel City FC’s historic inaugural win, fans of the club got to experience the first regular season home loss to Orlando Pride at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles. Orlando, off of a twelve straight game loss, beat out Angel City for a 1-0 win. Much like the initial goal scored by defender Vanessa Gilles in Angel City’s home opener, ACFC were acquainted with a mirror image in the Pride’s Sydney Leroux scoring in the third minute. Leroux, back from injury and receiving her first start since March 30th; capitalized off the teams only shot on target by correcting the course of a deflected cross in the center of the box. The lone goal of the game was perhaps the catalyst for a lengthy and frustrating matchup for Los Angeles fans and players alike.
Today’s final.#Volemos | #NWSL | #LAvORL | #AngelCityFC pic.twitter.com/mqt8D3W7Nz
— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) May 9, 2022
Holding a one goal lead from the third minute is no easy feat. Particularly surrounded by the 17,000 exuberant fans filling the stadium. Fans received a jolt of excitement when ACFC’s Christen Press was thought to receive her first goal of the season, but immediately declared off sides in a controversial call. Frustration mounted, and discord was visible for the Los Angeles team battling the physical Orlando. Orlando received three yellow cards during the match, notably the team’s physicality aided in subduing Angel City from any potential advancements.
Unfortunately Angel City was unable to bounce back, however, it was not for lack of effort. Player availability and last minute lineup changes plagued both teams. For Orlando Pride, Leroux’s first game back was arguably the momentum adjustment needed for a team that has not had a win under their belt since September 2021. In addition, goalkeeper Erin McLeod, back from knee injury was crucial in halting Angel City’s four shots on target. ACFC was forced into a last minute change up when, captain and defender Ali Riley was pulled out hours before for Covid protocol. A clear demonstration in the ability for key players to notably shift dynamic and potentially create different outcomes. For both teams the match will likely be categorized as an exercise in eleventh hour adjustments.
Indeed, those placing bets would not have predicted ACFC’s outcome of defeat in a home match against a team coming off of such an unsuccessful Challenge Cup. However, such a win could be a turning of the tides for the Pride and Coach Amanda Cromwell. Cromwell was named Head Coach for Orlando in December 2021, making Sunday’s matchup against Angel City Cromwell’s first win in the NWSL.
As for Angel City FC, player of the match Jasmyne Spencer states, “It’s easy to forget, especially after last week, that we are a new team, and these learning curves hurt. But again, we have a long season ahead of us. We’ll go back, fix what we did today, and hopefully get back on track next game.”
Angel City hits the road and meets the 2021 NWSL champions the Washington Spirt on Sunday May 15th airing live on Paramount+ or Twitch.
Written by Haley Becerra
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