NWSL: Angel City ends skid with Portland stalemate as Utah extends unbeaten run
Angelina Anderson records second shutout of the season in 0-0 draw, while Mina Tanaka’s late strike secures victory for Utah against Racing Louisville.
Angel City FC has ended a four-game losing streak after securing a 0-0 draw against the Portland Thorns on Sunday. The result marks a stabilising moment for Angel City, whose record now stands at 3-4-1, while the Thorns maintain a strong position with a 6-2-2 record.
Angelina Anderson was instrumental in the stalemate, recording her second shutout of the season. Anderson became the first goalkeeper to hold Portland scoreless this season, making a single save to preserve the clean sheet. Portland goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold also performed well, making three saves for her fourth shutout of the year.
The match saw significant absences for both sides, with leading scorers Olivia Moultrie for Portland and Sveindis Jonsdottir for Angel City missing the fixture due to injury. Portland also faced defensive disruptions, with Isabella Obaze leaving the field in the 67th minute and M.A. Vignola departing in the 74th minute due to injury.
Despite the defensive solidity, Portland created late opportunities, with midfielder Jessie Fleming sending a shot off the post during second-half stoppage time. However, neither side could break the deadlock, resulting in a point for each team.
In separate National Women’s Soccer League action, the Utah Royals defeated Racing Louisville 2-1, extending their unbeaten run to eight matches. Utah’s record improved to 5-2-3, while Louisville’s struggles continued, with the team dropping all six of their away matches this season.
Utah took the lead in the 22nd minute through an own goal by Louisville defender Lauren Milliet, whose clearance attempt from a Paige Cronin cross found the net. Racing Louisville equalised in the 68th minute via Kayla Fischer, ending Utah’s 536-minute shutout streak, which ranks as the fourth longest in NWSL history.
The decisive moment came in the 77th minute when Mina Tanaka scored her third goal of the season. Assisted by Cece Delzer, Tanaka’s strike restored Utah’s lead, securing the victory and maintaining their momentum in the league standings.
