Recent Match: Pride Edges Angel City, 2-1
On April 3, Angel City FC (3-1-0) suffered a 2-1 defeat to the Orlando Pride at Inter&Co Stadium, despite netting a late equalizer. This marked ACFC’s inaugural loss of the season, following an impressive, record-breaking opening to their campaign.
Gisele Thompson, a defender for Angel City, netted her second goal of the season during stoppage time, responding after Orlando had taken a 1-0 lead in the 84th minute. However, Pride midfielder Haley McCutcheon secured her second goal of the game only six minutes later, enabling Orlando to claim a home victory.
Even with the loss, ACFC maintained its characteristic ball control, commanding possession for more than 63 percent of the game. Captain and defender Sarah Gorden earned Player of the Match honors for her outstanding defensive performance, effectively neutralizing NWSL shots leader Barbra Banda and completing a team-high 65 passes for Angel City.
Upcoming Opponent: Moultrie, Turner, and the Portland Thorns
Following the international break, Portland (3-1-1) arrives in Los Angeles occupying second place in the NWSL standings, holding a game in hand. The Thorns’ most recent outing ended in a draw against North Carolina, though they have already secured victories over Kansas City, Seattle, and Washington earlier this season.
Portland’s attack has been spearheaded by midfielder Olivia Moultrie and forward Reilyn Turner, each contributing three goals to lead the squad. Both players found the back of the net against the Courage on April 4, and are expected to be key targets for the Angel City defense this Sunday.
Defender M.A. Vignola, a member of ACFC’s inaugural team, will also make her return to BMO Stadium this Sunday. She was moved to the Thorns in late 2025 in a deal that saw midfielder Hina Sugita join Angel City. Vignola is anticipated to have a challenging match, contending with an ACFC offense that currently tops the NWSL in goals scored.
Across four seasons, Angel City has faced Portland eight times, holding an overall record of 1 win, 3 draws, and 4 losses.
Player Focus: Sams’ Strong Beginning to the Season
Emily Sams, a significant offseason acquisition for Angel City, has smoothly integrated into the squad. The former Orlando Pride defender has started every game as a central defender and has even served as captain at times.
Sams has become a foundational figure for Angel City. The reigning 2024 NWSL Defender of the Year is frequently tasked with marking the opposition’s primary attacking player. Furthermore, she has played a vital role in Head Coach Alex Straus’s revised offensive strategy, topping the team in completed passes in half of ACFC’s four games.
Having recently participated in the U.S. Women’s National Team camp, Sams is now back at BMO Stadium, aiming to extend her impressive start to the season.
This Sunday at BMO Stadium: Kids Day Celebration!
This Sunday, BMO Stadium will host Angel City FC’s Kids Day festivities. Attendees can enjoy a pre-game show from the Bob Baker Marionette Theater, a spirit station offering temporary tattoos, and a height chart photo op with a cutout of goalkeeper Angelina Anderson. Sprouts is sponsoring the first 5,000 fans through the gates, who will receive a free coloring book and crayons.
The Kids Day event will involve a complete youth takeover, featuring a young supporter singing the national anthem, a mother-daughter pair initiating the traditional “three clap,” and a baby race at midfield during halftime.