ACFC handed its first defeat - Pasadena Star-News

ANGEL CITY FC

ACFC handed its first defeat

Angel City FC defender Gisele Thompson, right, controls the ball against Gotham FC during the first half of Friday night’s NWSL match at BMO Stadium. Angel City FC came out on the short end of a 4-0 score. PHOTO BY RAUL ROMERO JR.

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By Damian Calhoun

dcalhoun@scng.com

LOS ANGELES — Angel City Football Club’s shot at team history fell short Friday night.

Last season, Angel City won consecutive games on two occasions. After opening with consecutive draws this season, Angel City picked up wins against the Seattle Reign and Houston Dash and came into Friday’s meeting with Gotham FC in search of its first ever three-game winning streak.

It wasn’t to be as Gotham FC put the game away with three goals in the second half and came away with a 4-0 win at BMO Stadium in front of 18,465, handing Angel City (2-1-2, eight points) its first loss of the season.

The big blow by Gotham came in the 67th minute. Lily Reale, a rookie from UCLA, had her shot from approximately 30 yards hit Angel City defender Miyabi in the head. The ball then sailed high and back toward the goal, eluding Angel CIty goalkeeper Angelina Anderson, giving Gotham a 2-0 lead.

Less than 10 minutes later, Gotham added a third goal, on Esther Gonzalez’s header off of a corner kick. Geyse made it 4-0, equaling Gotham’s goal output through the first four games of the season.

Gotham opened the scoring in the 18th minute on a shot by Gonzalez that hit the post and went over the line. It was just the second time this season that Angel City had trailed in a game.

The Angel City attack, which was missing Alyssa Thompson, never amounted much of an attack on the night. Thompson, who leads the team with three goals, was out with what was called an “upper leg” injury.

Gisele Thompson moved from her outside back spot into Alyssa’s spot on the wing. Miyabi was then brought in to Gisele’s position.

Angel City had very little offensive life in the first half and it carried over to the second half. Angel City finished with no shots on goal in the game and according to the postgame stats, saw very little of the ball.

Angel City began the week one of four unbeaten clubs in the NWSL through the first four weeks. Two of those teams (Orlando Pride and Washington Spirit) play each other today and they are also the next opponents for Angel City, both on the road. Angel City visits Orlando — the defending champion — on April 25, followed by the last year’s runner-up Washington on May 2.

Angel City will face Gotham later this season, on Sept. 7 in New Jersey.