Angel City left Lumen Field with a hard-won 1-0 victory over Seattle Reign FC. The only goal of the match was scored by MA Vignola in the 34th minute to seal the deal on behalf of the Los Angeles-based outfit. This was a no-nonsense kind of match from both sides, but Angel City took advantage of open opportunities for a tactical and calculated soccer game.
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That win now cements Angel City's position in the standings and keeps their hopes alive for finishing well in the season. As for Seattle Reign, they head home to regret not converting chances and putting on a performance not good enough to hold off their opponent at home.
Fairly balanced start
Offensively and with the desire to run the game, the match started with both teams on the field. Early in the match, Seattle Reign demonstrated its offensive intention of pressuring Angel City with fast attacks and leveraging the wings. The first big opportunity of the game was for Tziarra King, free in the box, but well intervened by the strong defense of Angel City.
The response from Angel City came fast, a beautiful cross by Claire Emslie saw the result almost produce a goal. An inside-the-six-yard-box backheel attempt by Megan Reid did not see a finish due to a well-timed clearance from the Reign's defense to clear danger.
The first 30 minutes were a back-and-forth in terms of attacks by both teams, although Angel City proved more efficient. Well-settled in the 34th minute, MA Vignola got a perfectly timed pass after an exchange well done with Alyssa Thompson and didn't waste it. Her perfectly placed cross-shot beat Reign goalkeeper Claudia Dickey and found the back of the net to put the visiting team ahead.
The goal raised the confidence of Angel City as they then took over the command of the game more until the end of the first half. In the closing moments, they almost doubled their lead as Katie Zelem's header hit the bar and left the Reign's defense shaken.
Seattle pushes but Angel City holds firm
Having conceded first, Seattle Reign stepped into the second half with increased determination to draw level. And indeed, the home team started the half with all guns blazing. In the forefront of most active players stood a forward, Ana-Maria Crnogorčević, who created real solid opportunities-one by one forced impressive saves from brick-wall Angel City's goalkeeper DiDi Haracic.
Seattle Reign couldn't get past Los Angeles' defenders even with more possession and capitalizing on set pieces. In the 54th minute, one of the best chances for Seattle came when Crnogorčević fired a powerful shot from inside the box. However, Haracic came up with yet another big save, ensuring her team hold onto the lead.
Meanwhile, Angel City were relieved at managing the result. They might have had no real clear-cut chances in the second half, but they were sound at the back. They thwarted Seattle's advances with some airtight defending. Sarah Gordon is one such defender who stood out and made a crucial tackle in order to avoid any real danger at the end.
Despite the increasing pressure by Seattle Reign, Angel City's defense held firm to the final whistle as they recorded a big away win. The Reign, having more shots and corners, left the field frustrated as that could not translate into goals.
Post-match reactions
Following the match, Angel City captain Sarah Gordon echoed the focus of the team to stay concentrated throughout the 90 minutes. As she explained regarding the team's mindset:
Really proud of the team. One thing that's been stressing is just controlling what we can, and that's been the message in the group. Focusing on what we can do on the field, being proud of our performance. We're all playing for each other, and I think that mentality was key today.