Angel City Football Club wrapped up its fourth season on October 15, 2023, with a match against the Chicago Stars at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois. The season has been marked by challenges, significant changes, and a mixture of highs and lows.
Goalkeeper Angelina Anderson reflected on the tumultuous year, stating, “It’s been an up-and-down year, for sure. Every year is going to have ups and downs.” She emphasized the importance of learning from both the successes and the setbacks as the team looks ahead. Anderson hopes that the players can take a moment to reflect on their experiences and recognize the areas needing improvement.
The season began under interim coach Sam Laity, who faced immediate challenges. In March, veteran forward Sydney Leroux announced her decision to step away for the season to focus on her mental health. Two months later, defender Savy King suffered a heart ailment during a victory against the Utah Royals, further complicating the team’s efforts.
In June, Alex Straus took over as head coach, bringing with him a new approach after leaving Bayern Munich. His arrival followed a midseason roster overhaul, which included the sale of former No. 1 overall draft pick Alyssa Thompson to Chelsea. The club also faced retirements from fan favorites Christen Press and Ali Riley at the end of the season, adding to the emotional weight of the year.
Despite the many challenges, defender and team captain Sarah Gorden expressed optimism about the team’s future. “I feel like we’re in a good place going forward and going into next season,” she stated, highlighting the progress made in training. Gorden aims to conclude the season with a positive performance against Chicago, reflecting the team’s growth and potential for next year.
As the season wraps up, Straus acknowledged the difficulties experienced throughout the year, stating, “It was a difficult year, and here comes a new head coach with new ideas.” He emphasized the need to build for the long-term future of the club, noting that preparation for the upcoming season will be crucial. “We really believe that Angel City version 2.0 that is going to play in 2026 will compete in a completely different place than we have been this season,” he said.
Angel City FC has made the NWSL playoffs only once, in 2023. A win in their final match would tie the 2022 and 2023 teams for the most wins in a season, with eight. However, the club is finishing its second consecutive season with double-digit losses, signaling the need for continued improvement.
The match against Chicago is set for 2:15 p.m. PT on Sunday. Fans are encouraged to tune into NWSL+ to catch the action as Angel City seeks to end the season on a high note. The team’s journey has been a testament to resilience, and as they prepare for the offseason, the focus will be on building a stronger foundation for the future.
