Angel City FC secured their first win of the National Women’s Soccer League season with a 1-0 victory against the Chicago Red Stars in Week 4. Defender Jasmyne Spencer also celebrated her 175th NWSL career regular season appearance during the match. Head Coach Becki Tweed praised her team’s performance in the first half, noting their dominance in possession and expressing hopes to build on the momentum in future games.
Spencer played a crucial role in Angel City’s strong first-half performance, coming close to scoring with a header early in the game. The team maintained control of the ball and created multiple opportunities to score. Despite being unable to capitalize on all their chances, Spencer highlighted the importance of grinding out a win on the road and emphasized the significance of securing three points in a closely contested match.
Key contributions from players like Claire Emslie and Meggie Dougherty Howard helped Angel City maintain pressure on the Red Stars’ defense. A free kick from Emslie led to an own goal by Tatumn Milazzo, giving Angel City a 1-0 lead in the 40th minute. The team continued to push forward in the second half, with midfielder Rocky Rodriguez making her first start for the club and expressing excitement for the win and her future with the team.
Despite the Red Stars’ efforts to mount a comeback in the second half, Angel City’s defense, led by goalkeeper DiDi Haračić, held firm to secure a clean sheet victory. Haračić marked her 10th NWSL clean sheet in her career with this performance, showcasing her importance to the team’s success. Looking ahead, Angel City will face the North Carolina Courage in their next match, aiming to build on their recent win and continue their positive momentum in the league.
The victory against the Red Stars not only gave Angel City their first three points of the season, but it also highlighted the team’s depth and resilience. Coach Tweed praised the players for their efforts and emphasized the need for a collective team effort to navigate the challenges of a long and physical season. With milestones reached by individual players and a strong team performance, Angel City looks to maintain their winning ways and make further strides in the NWSL as the season progresses.
