Five Angel City FC Players Named To NWSL Best XI For September Leif Smerud Named Coach of the Month

Angelina Anderson, Sarah Gorden, Evelyn Shores, Ally Sentnor and Maiara Niehues recognized following Angel City’s unbeaten September

LOS ANGELES (Oct. 1, 2026) – The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) today announced the 11 players named to its Best XI of the Month for September presented by Prime, with five Angel City Football Club (ACFC)  players earning recognition. Goalkeeper Angelina Anderson, defenders Sarah Gorden and Evelyn Shores, and midfielders Ally Sentnor and Maiara Niehues were selected following a month in which Angel City recorded four victories and one draw. Interim Head Coach Leif Smerud was also named NWSL Coach of the Month.

Angelina Anderson raised the bar in goal, making nine saves and keeping three clean sheets across five matches, two of which were consecutive. Those shutouts brought her season total to nine, surpassing her previous personal best and establishing a new Angel City single-season record.

Captain Sarah Gorden made her presence felt at both ends of the pitch, contributing two assists in addition to eight interceptions and eight tackles. While continuing to lead Angel City’s back line, Gorden has recorded the first three assists of her NWSL career this season.

Evelyn Shores turned career milestones into crucial victories, scoring her first NWSL brace in a 2–0 win over Racing Louisville FC and delivering her first multi-assist performance in a 3–1 victory over Seattle Reign FC. Shores finished the month with two goals and two assists and earned her first call-up to the senior U.S. Women’s National Team.

Ally Sentnor delivered in three consecutive matches, converting penalties in a 3–3 draw against Denver Summit FC, a 3–1 win over Seattle Reign FC and a 3–0 victory over Utah Royals FC. The stretch marked the first time in her career she converted penalties in three straight matches. Sentnor also added an assist during the month.

Maiara Niehues helped notch a crucial three points and a place in club history with one late strike. Her 88th-minute winner in Angel City’s 1–0 road victory over Washington Spirit on September 26 brought her season tally to nine goals, making her the club’s single-season scoring leader. The goal was her second of the month.

Interim Head Coach Leif Smerud guided Angel City through an unbeaten month, earning Coach of the Month honors with four victories and one draw across five matches. The results extended Angel City’s unbeaten streak to six games and counting, the longest in club history, as the team continues its playoff push.