Angel City Football Club (ACFC) will face the North Carolina Courage at 5 p.m. PT on Wednesday, Aug. 26, at First Horizon Stadium. The match will be televised on CBS Sports and locally on NWSL+.
Last Time Out: A Coast-to-Coast Draw
Angel City FC played Gotham on Sunday, Aug. 23, in the first meeting between the two teams this season. ACFC earned a draw against the top-of-the-table reigning NWSL Champions, extending ACFC’s unbeaten streak to four matches with four consecutive draws.
Angel City FC goalkeeper Angelina Anderson played a crucial role with a saved penalty in the 87th minute.
“The biggest thing for me is that locking-in piece. In those moments, my mentality and mindset are so strong and confident. It's almost like… I will save this no matter what,” Anderson said.
“I’ve made a lot of changes [this season], and it really seems like it’s paying off for me.”
Anderson denied Gotham’s Sam Kerr in the 58th minute and made another save in the 72nd minute to block forward Jordynn Dudley. No one has scored a penalty kick against Anderson this season, proving herself to be a key piece in the Angel City FC defense.
In addition to boasting one of the top defenses in the league, Angel City showcased their offensive opportunities against Gotham. ACFC led in shots on target (2-1) and in total shots (8-4) in the first half.
“We are difficult to beat [right now],” said Interim Head Coach Leif Smerud, adding, “We will win games, I’m sure, if we keep performing and keep playing.”
Next Up: Second Meeting, Different Setting
Wednesday marks the second meeting between Angel City and North Carolina this season. The Courage defeated ACFC at BMO Stadium (2-1) on May 31, with Angel City FC midfielder Maiara Niehues scoring the club’s lone goal.
Angel City will look to even the series on the road against a Courage side that enters the matchup coming off a 2-1 victory over the Boston Legacy on Aug. 22. Midfielder Ashley Sanchez scored her 12th and 13th goals of the season against Boston, putting her in the lead for the Golden Boot race and one goal away from the Courage single-season goals record.
In the Spotlight: Savy King’s Comeback Continues
After missing four months due to injury, Angel City FC defender Savy King is available to make her third consecutive appearance.
King returned to the pitch against the Washington Spirit on Aug. 16 and made her second appearance against Gotham, entering the match in the 68th minute.
“We have looked forward to getting more players back. It increases competition in training, and competition for the Starting 11, which is a good thing,” Interim Head Coach Leif Smerud said. “We have some versatile players that can play several positions, and then it’s about trying to put the puzzle together in the best possible way.”
King’s return has given Angel City FC another option along the back line as the club continues its push for the playoffs. ACFC has allowed just 20 goals through 19 matches this season.