Surprises are not uncommon on the women's soccer scene, but the recent news from Angel City FC and Clarisse Le Bihan has shown that everything has its cycle. The French striker announced her departure from the club after three seasons. This mutually agreed parting of ways marks the end of an era for Le Bihan and the beginning of a new chapter for both her and the club.
Clarisse Le Bihan arrived at Angel City FC in 2022 from Montpellier HSC and quickly became a fixture in the team. During her time at the club, she amassed four goals and four assists in 53 appearances. Her performance on the pitch, combined with her involvement in the community, made her a beloved figure among the fans. In 2023, she averaged an impressive 44.5 passes per game and was second in assists for the club.
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"I couldn't have dreamed of a better first experience abroad. I've grown as a player and as a human being. I've found in this club not just soccer, but a community and a family. I will always be grateful for this experience. I wish the club all the best in the future and I will always support you wherever I am. Forever an angel," said Clarisse.
General manager Angela Hucles Mangano also expressed her feelings about Le Bihan's departure. "We are happy to support Clarisse in the next chapter of her professional journey. She maximized her time here with us at Angel City, both with her performances on the pitch and with her involvement in our community and passion for our fan base. We wish her nothing but the best."
Clarisse Le Bihan wasn't just a talented player at Angel City FC, she made the squad in the team's debut season as one of three foreign players. With 29 goals in 109 appearances for Montpellier before joining Angel City, Le Bihan brought a wealth of experience, contributing to the formation of the team.
In terms of future prospects, Angel City will have the task of filling the void left by an international player. The team urgently needs to improve its performance to get into the NWSL playoffs. The team needs to be attentive to market opportunities, aiming to strengthen itself in order to maintain its level of competitiveness.