Angel City dazzles with hard-fought win against Club América

Angel City's debut in the NWSL x Liga MX Summer Cup was a real spectacle for the fans at the stadium. Facing Club América, the Los Angeles team showed grit and determination, coming away with a narrow 2-1 victory. The game was marked by well-worked moves, spectacular saves and a breathtaking last-minute goal. Let's dive into the details of this thrilling match.

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Right from the start, Angel City showed that they were determined to dominate the match. In the 11th minute, striker Messiah Bright had the first big chance. The move began with a precise pass from defender Sarah Gorden to Kennedy Fuller, who, with a subtle touch, laid the ball off to Meggie Dougherty Howard. She, in turn, found Bright running into the area. Bright ignored the pressure from the defenders and shot firmly, but goalkeeper Sandra Paños, always on her toes, came off her line and blocked the attempt. It was a warning of things to come.

Club América weren't far behind and responded straight away. In the 12th minute, Nicolette Hernández tried from outside the box, forcing Angelina Anderson to make a spectacular save, diving to her right and deflecting the ball for a corner. The match was even, with both teams showing quality and a desire to win.

In the 24th minute, Angel City threatened again. Sarah Gorden played a long ball to Gisele Thompson, who dribbled past her marker and shot powerfully, but the ball went wide. The goal seemed imminent, and it finally came in the 29th minute. Merritt Mathias made a short, diagonal pass to Fuller, who, with great skill, turned and hit an unstoppable shot, opening the scoring and sending the fans into delirium.

In the second half, Club América continued to press, but it was Angel City who doubled their lead. In the 89th minute, Madison Hammond deflected the ball into the feet of Sydney Leroux, who, despite being well marked, turned and fired a shot with her left leg, with no chance for Paños. The goal seemed to seal the victory, but Club América didn't give up.

In injury time, Club América managed to pull one back. Miah Zuazua took a free-kick into the box, and Kiana Palacios rose above everyone to head the ball past Anderson and in just under the crossbar. It was a late goal that gave the visitors a glimmer of hope, but it wasn't enough to change the final result.

After the final whistle, Angel City coach Becki Tweed reflected on the importance of this victory. “For us, reflecting on the first half of the season, we've been disappointed with a lot of the results. So this is really important for our moment. A win is a win in soccer at the end of the day. We're striving to win every game we play. I think momentum is a really important thing in the NWSL. We have to enjoy this win, the three points and build on that.”

Kennedy Fuller, who scored her second professional goal, stressed the importance of working on the team's connections and chemistry. “Our connections and chemistry are improving. Putting the ball in the back of the net is incredible, but we're looking to keep doing that. I'd love to keep contributing and get more of our players on the scoresheet too.”

The win over Club América was an important step for Angel City, who view the Summer Cup seriously and as an opportunity to strengthen the team. The Angel City coach emphasized the need to improve in certain aspects of the game, especially in dealing with the high pressure sustained by the opposition. However, she acknowledged the two brilliant finishes that secured the victory.

“For 40 minutes in the first half, we were very good. I don't think we were good enough in the second half. We have to find ways to deal with sustained high pressure and be better in that space, but getting a win is ultimately the most important thing as a group. We still have room to grow. I say it every week, but I really believe that if we take that first 40 minutes and continue to grow from there, we'll be in great space. Two really good shots from a decent distance. Club America's goalkeeper is fantastic and world class, so you know you have to hit something special to beat her from that distance. I think we had a few more chances where she made some good saves, and those are the moments we have to capitalize on,” he concluded.

For the fans, this match was a reminder that Angel City are on the right track, building a young and promising team. With this victory, the team showed that they have the ability to compete and win, even against high-level opponents.