Angel City FC enters NWSL hiatus with consecutive defeats and tactical concerns
Head coach Alex Straus cites frustration over missed opportunities as the league pauses for the FIFA World Cup.
Angel City FC has entered the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) mid-season break following a 2-1 defeat to the North Carolina Courage on Sunday, marking their second consecutive loss. The result leaves the club in 12th place in the league standings, having secured only one victory from six matches played in May. The loss underscores a difficult period for the Los Angeles-based side, which now faces a month-long pause in domestic competition.
The match itself was defined by narrow margins and missed chances. After a scoreless first half, North Carolina’s Evelyn Ijeh opened the scoring in the 48th minute. Angel City responded quickly, with Maiara Niehues equalising in the 51st minute. Despite two crucial saves by goalkeeper Angelina Anderson, the Courage sealed the victory with a 79th-minute goal from Manaka Matsukubo. This marks the sixth game Angel City has lost by a single goal this season.
Head coach Alex Straus expressed frustration with the team’s inability to convert created chances into points. “In all of these games, we do enough to win, and that’s the frustrating part,” Straus said post-match. He noted that while the team’s structure and organization were sound, they needed to improve their efficiency with the ball and address recurring issues in converting opportunities.
Captain Sarah Gorden echoed the need for tactical adjustment, stating the team must “go back to the drawing board” to improve finishing and defensive solidity. The club’s struggle to hold leads or secure narrow wins has become a defining characteristic of their current campaign, raising questions about their ability to climb the standings once play resumes.
The NWSL is pausing for the FIFA World Cup in June, during which several Angel City players will compete for their respective national teams. Defender Gisele Thompson is set to make her 11th appearance for the USWNT, having contributed to their recent SheBelieves Cup success. Midfielder Ary Borges will join the Brazil National Team, while forward Claire Emslie returns to the Scotland National Team, where she has made 69 appearances since 2013.
Angel City FC is scheduled to resume play on July 3 against the Orlando Pride. The club will look to address the tactical deficiencies highlighted during the break as they aim to improve their standing in the league.
