Angel City continues its road stretch with a matchup against the Boston Legacy FC at 5 p.m PT on Monday, Aug. 31, at Gillette Stadium. The match will be televised on NWSL+ (locally) and CBSSN.
Last Time Out: ACFC Looks Ahead After North Carolina Defeat
Angel City FC fell 2-0 on the road to the North Carolina Courage as forward Ashley Sanchez notched a brace, making history with her 15th goal of the season.
Despite the loss, captain Sarah Gorden anchored Angel City’s defense and earned ACFC Player of the Match honors.
Angel City generated several opportunities in attack, but was unable to find a breakthrough. Following a draw against Gotham FC on Aug. 23 at BMO Stadium, the quick turnaround appeared to play a factor in the performance.
“We lacked the final percentages to convert and to really get the performance and the result we want. North Carolina was one step ahead in a few key situations,” Interim Head Coach Smerud said. “It's natural that this is gonna cost some energy and we need to make sure we are recovered.”
Next Up: A First Meeting with Boston
The Boston Legacy also enter Monday’s match looking to bounce back from a 2-1 loss to North Carolina on Aug. 22, which marked the club’s third consecutive defeat.
Forward Aïssata Traoré scored a 92nd-minute equalizer in the match, marking her sixth goal of the season and maintaining her spot as Boston’s leading scorer.
Forward Amanda Gutierres has also been a key contributor in attack with five goals this season.
Currently sitting just outside the postseason picture, ACFC will look to gain ground with a result on the road to collect points.
Angel City FC relies on its defensive strength, currently allowing 1.1 goals per game, with Emily Sams and Sarah Gorden along the back line. On the other end, the recent addition of Prisca Chilufya to the starting lineup along with the midseason acquisition of Ally Sentnor has added versatility to Angel City’s attack.
Monday will mark the first-ever meeting between Angel City FC and Boston Legacy FC.
In the Spotlight: Jónsdóttir Returns to the Attack
After missing three matches due to injury, Sveindís Jónsdóttir returned to the pitch against the North Carolina Courage on Aug. 26. The forward played 29 minutes in her return.
“[Jónsdóttir] is a very important player for us, so it's good to have her back,” Interim Head Coach Smerud said. “She's been out a few weeks, so she also needs a bit of time to get back into tempo. It was good that we could bring her on today, and she will be even more ready to play on Monday.”
As one of Angel City’s leading scorers, Jónsdóttir’s presence gives the club another important option in attack. The Icelandic forward has scored six goals this season.
