ACFC suffers loss to Washington on late PK

ANGEL CITY FC

ACFC midfielder Claire Emslie, left, tries to cut back against Washington midfielder Paige Metayer during Saturday’s loss. PHOTOS BY RAUL ROMERO JR.

Angel City FC goalkeeper Didi Haracic, second from left, deflects the ball away from the goal during Saturday’s 1-0 loss to the Washington Spirit at BMO Stadium.

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By Damian Calhoun

dcalhoun@scng.com

LOS ANGELES >> When two of the more entertaining attacking teams in the league meet, it would be safe to expect goals.

For 89 minutes, nothing was on the scoreboard to separate the Washington Spirit and Angel City FC. However, just when it looked like a draw was the best option for both, controversy arrived.

The action finally arrived in the 90th minute as the Washington Spirit were awarded a penalty kick. M.A. Vignola was handed a yellow card after a shot hit her body and came up and hit her arm. Referee JC Griggs pointed to the spot. He never went to the video review.

Ashley Hatch stepped up and converted the kick for the lone goal for 1-0 win for the Spirit (4-0-3) in front of 17,427 at BMO Stadium.

“It was unfortunate to have a game decided the way it was,” Angel City coach Freya Coombe said. “I don’t think we should have lost the game.”

As the final whistle sounded, the crowd let out a loud chorus of boos.

“It was super unfortunate for another VAR call not to go our way,” Angel City defender Dani Weatherholt said. “Really proud of effort defensively. You’re seeing more discipline for us.”

Before the final moments of controversy, Angel City (2-3-2) put forth one final push. With the crowd rising in anticipation late in the game, the club earned consecutive corner kicks. The second one eventually ended on Vignola’s right foot and her shot was blocked away by Washington goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury. That was one of Angel City’s better chances throughout the game.

Angel City was credited with just two shots on goal.

“We have to sharpen up our final third opportunities,” defender Paige Nielsen said.

In the 81st minute, Washington Ashley Sanchez got off a shot from approximately 25 yards out forcing Angel City goalkeeper Didi Haracic to go up and make the stop.

The teams went into halftime scoreless with each team recording just one shot on goal, which was impressive considering the firepower both teams have in attack.

The Washington trio of Trinity Rodman, Sanchez and Hatch having scored a combined 62 goals across all competitions since 2021.

On the other hand, the Spirit entered the having allowed just five goals, the fewest in the league.

Angel City will play the next three games on the road, starting Saturday at the North Carolina Courage, followed by May 27 at OL Reign and also a Challenge Cup game May 31 at the Portland Thorns. The next home game is June 5 against the Chicago Red Stars.