Angel City Football Club (ACFC) will face the North Carolina Courage at 4 p.m. PT on Sunday at BMO Stadium. The match will be televised on Victory+.
Last Time Out: Houston Scores Late in ACFC Loss
Angel City FC converted on its first penalty kick attempt of the season but conceded to the Houston Dash in second-half stoppage time, losing, 2-1, at Shell Energy Stadium on Saturday, May 23.
Midfielder Maiara Niehues scored from the penalty spot in the 26th minute after midfielder Kennedy Fuller drew a foul from Houston defender Leah Klenke. Niehues’s goal brought the teams level at 1-1 after the Dash took an early lead, but Houston midfielder Maggie Graham found the back of the ACFC net in the waning moments of the match to give the Dash the victory.
The teams split the season series, with Angel City (4-5-1) winning the first matchup at BMO Stadium on March 27.
Next Up: Sanchez and the Courage
North Carolina (4-3-3) sits in seventh in the NWSL standings after two consecutive wins. The Courage survived a late comeback attempt by Racing Louisville FC to win, 2-1, at Lynn Family Stadium on Saturday, May 23.
Midfielder Ashley Sanchez tallied another goal in the triumph, pushing her up to second in the Golden Boot race with seven goals in 10 matches. Sanchez is also tied for fourth in the league in shots on target with 13.
Sanchez will have to overcome the ACFC defense and goalkeeper Angelina Anderson, who made five saves against Houston.
In the Spotlight: Emslie Back for Club and Country
Forward Claire Emslie was recently called up by the Scottish national team for its 2027 Women’s World Cup qualifying matches against Israel. Emslie made her return to the pitch for the first time as a new mom on May 9 against San Diego Wave FC, playing 12 minutes on the eve of Mother’s Day.
Emslie has been a staple of Angel City’s roster since its inaugural season in 2022. She has made 75 NWSL appearances and holds the club record for goals scored, with 16 across all competitions.
“I am so excited to get back out on the pitch and play in front of the fans again,” said Emslie in advance of her ACFC return. “The time away has made me appreciate being on pitch now. It is so fun. I get to kick a ball, enjoy being with my teammates, and play for something more. I love being a mom, and I am also proud of being a footballer. I hope my journey has shown that with the right support and determination, you can absolutely do both.”
This Week at BMO Stadium: Battle of the Clubs
This Sunday, Angel City will commemorate the Battle of the Clubs, celebrating youth soccer in Los Angeles. The match against North Carolina will feature a pre-game performance by club house band Ritmo Del Sol as well as a halftime appearance by rising music artist Fordo.
Sunday’s contest will be ACFC’s sixth and final match of the month in advance of the June NWSL break.
