CARSON, CA (Nov. 1, 2026) - Angel City Football Club (ACFC) will travel to face Kansas City Current in the first round of the 2026 NWSL Playoffs presented by Google Pixel after a 4-1 win over Boston Legacy FC in their final regular-season home match. The game against Boston was played at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA. The quarterfinal will take place at CPKC Stadium on Saturday, November 7, live on CBS, with kickoff scheduled for 9:00 am PT / 12:00 pm ET.
The match marks another significant achievement for Angel City as the club returns to the postseason for the first time since 2023, making its second playoff appearance in club history.
Goals from Nealy Martin, Evelyn Shores, Sveindís Jónsdóttir, and Claire Emslie powered Angel City to their 10th consecutive unbeaten match Sunday, making ACFC just the second team in NWSL history to enter the playoffs on a 10-match unbeaten streak.
“I'm proud of how the team has dealt with the pressure of having to win a lot of games and the ability to be consistent,” said Interim Head Coach Leif Smeurd. “Ten games now in a row without losing…to do that in any league is difficult. So that consistency speaks to the core of the group: being able to stay focused and not drop in performance. I want to bring that to the playoffs.”
Angel City came out attacking early, with Savy King testing Boston goalkeeper Bianca St-George in the third minute, while Ary Borges forced another save in the 10th minute. At the other end, goalkeeper Angelina Anderson made a save in the 11th minute to keep the match scoreless.
Angel City found its breakthrough in the 17th minute when Nealy Martin fired a shot from outside the box into the bottom-left corner to give ACFC a 1-0 lead. The goal marked Martin’s first in the NWSL, coming in her 115th league appearance. Ally Sentnor recorded the assist, her third with Angel City this season.
Boston responded in the 37th minute as Amanda Gutierres finished from the center of the box off of an assist from Aïssata Traoré to bring the match level at 1-1. The sides entered halftime tied.
Angel City regained the lead just eight minutes into the second half. In the 53rd minute, Jónsdóttir delivered a cross to Evelyn Shores, who headed it into the bottom-right corner for her fourth goal of the season, putting ACFC ahead 2-1.
The momentum continued as Angel City added to their lead in the 72nd minute. Following a fast break, Suarez set up Jónsdóttir, who finished from the center of the box for her 10th goal of the season. The goal moved Jónsdóttir into sole possession of the team’s scoring lead, while Suarez recorded the first assist of her career, Angel City added their fourth goal in the 84th minute when Claire Emslie finished from close range to make it 4-1. The goal was Emslie’s first of the season, while Suarez picked up her second assist of the match.
“Every day in training, I train as if it's a game, and I think I always feel prepared,” Emslie said. “But, when the team's doing so well, it doesn't matter who's on the pitch…we feel that no matter who scores. We're proud to have players come on the pitch and make a difference.”
Celebración de Culturas
Tonight, the club also hosted its annual “Celebración de Culturas” match, featuring special activations and performances celebrating the cultural traditions that make up the fabric of Los Angeles.
About the Tifo: “Somos Raza de Mil Colores - In Memory of Dolores Huerta”
The tifo (a large banner unfurled in the Supporter Section pre-match) was inspired by Dolores Huerta, the slogan “Si Se Puede,” Angel City FC, the City of Los Angeles, and the desire to celebrate migration and the Latine culture.
The beautiful 38-by-50 foot banner was designed by visual artist Lissandra Ledesma and created by the six Supporter Groups of Angel City FC that compose “La Fortaleza” (The Fortress): Rebellion 99, Angel City Valkyries, Mosaic 1781, Pandemonium, Relentless Ladies, and PodeRosas. Per the groups:
“The tifo was completed prior to the passing of Dolores Huerta. It is with heavy hearts, love, admiration, and respect that we now honor Dolores Huerta’s life and legacy. Thank you for devoting your life to fighting against injustices, for your courage, and for paving the way for so many of us. To the Dolores Huerta family and loved ones, we extend our deepest condolences and hope the tifo is a source of love and support.”