Angel City Football Club wrapped up its challenging fourth season on March 15, 2025, with a match against the Chicago Stars at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois. The season has been marked by numerous obstacles, leaving the team and its supporters reflecting on both struggles and achievements.
Angel City goalkeeper Angelina Anderson described the year as “an up-and-down” journey, emphasizing the need for growth. “Every year is going to have ups and downs. It’s where do we go from here and taking the positive moments,” she said. Anderson highlighted the importance of acknowledging both the challenges faced and the victories achieved, pointing out that the team had notable successes throughout the season.
The tumultuous season began under interim coach Sam Laity and took a turn when veteran forward Sydney Leroux stepped away for the season to focus on her mental health. Compounding the challenges, defender Savy King collapsed during a game against the Utah Royals due to a heart ailment. The situation prompted a midseason roster overhaul, culminating in the arrival of new head coach Alex Straus in June.
Straus, who previously coached at Bayern Munich, faced immediate pressure to steer the team through a difficult transition. The club also saw significant departures, including the sale of former No. 1 overall draft pick Alyssa Thompson to Chelsea, along with retirements from local favorites Christen Press and Ali Riley after the season concluded.
Despite these setbacks, defender and captain Sarah Gorden expressed optimism for the future. “I feel like we’re in a good place going forward and going into next season,” she stated, emphasizing the positive changes she has observed during training. Gorden aimed to conclude the season on a high note, hoping for a strong performance in the final match against Chicago.
Looking ahead, Straus noted that preparations for the upcoming 2026 season would continue, stating, “We really believe that Angel City version 2.0 that is going to play in 2026 will compete in a completely different place than we have been this season.” He acknowledged the chaotic environment created by the midseason changes and the need for emotional stability as the team adjusts.
In its fourth season, Angel City FC has only made the NWSL playoffs once, in 2023. A victory on Sunday would tie the team’s record for most wins in a season—eight—achieved in both 2022 and 2023. Nevertheless, the club is concluding another season with double-digit losses.
As Angel City FC prepares for the offseason, there is a palpable sense of anticipation. The organization looks forward to building on the lessons learned from a challenging year and striving for improvement in the seasons to come.
