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Angel City FC

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Angel City FC
Full nameAngel City Football Club
FoundedJuly 21, 2020; 4 years ago (2020-07-21)
StadiumBMO Stadium
Capacity22,000
PresidentJulie Uhrman
Head coachBecki Tweed
LeagueNational Women's Soccer League
20235th of 12
Playoffs: 5th Seed
Websitehttps://angelcity.com/
Current season

Angel City FC is a women's soccer team based in Los Angeles, California, that competes in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). The formation of the team was announced on July 21, 2020; it began play in the 2022 season. The team plays its home games at BMO Stadium, which it shares with Los Angeles FC of Major League Soccer.

Angel City FC is the Los Angeles area's first women's professional soccer team since the Los Angeles Sol of Women's Professional Soccer folded in 2010.[1] The team has many high-profile owners, including Natalie Portman, America Ferrera, Mia Hamm, Sophia Bush, Abby Wambach, and Eva Longoria.[2]

History

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On July 21, 2020, the NWSL announced that Los Angeles would be awarded an expansion franchise for the 2022 season.[3] The team was announced with a majority female ownership group led by actress Natalie Portman, venture capitalist Kara Nortman, entrepreneur Julie Uhrman, and venture capitalist Alexis Ohanian.[3] Ohanian also represents the club on the league's board of governors.[4] Other founding members of the team included professional tennis player Serena Williams, actors Uzo Aduba, Jessica Chastain, America Ferrera, Jennifer Garner, and Eva Longoria, late night talk show host and YouTuber Lilly Singh, YouTuber Casey Neistat, Broadway producer Jenna Segal, and former members of the United States national team including Julie Foudy, Mia Hamm, Rachel Van Hollebeke, Shannon Boxx, Amanda Cromwell, Lorrie Fair, Ronnie Fair, Joy Fawcett, Angela Hucles, Shannon MacMillan, Tisha Venturini, Saskia Webber, Lauren Holiday, and Abby Wambach.[3][1][5][6]

It was also announced during the team's launch that they would be announcing their official name before the end of the year but were going to use 'Angel City' as a tentative nickname.[3] The team was also in discussions with various groups for a stadium agreement, including the LA Galaxy of Major League Soccer.[3]

In the time since the club's name was confirmed as Angel City FC on October 21, 2020, additional members of the ownership group were announced, among them tennis great Billie Jean King, former tennis player and current tennis administrator Ilana Kloss, WNBA star Candace Parker, NHL star P. K. Subban, actress and activist Sophia Bush, Latin pop star Becky G, actor and TV host James Corden, former U.S. men's international soccer star Cobi Jones, NFL offensive lineman Ryan Kalil, and actor Uzo Aduba.[7][8]

Angel City FC hosted Mexican club Tigres UANL Femenil in the club's first-ever International Friendly match in August 2022, which Angel City FC won 1-0.[9] The first edition of the Copa Angelina on September 5, 2022 saw Angel City FC fall 2-0 to the Mexico women's national team off a goal by Scarlett Camberos and an own goal.[10]

A three-part documentary chronicling the team's first season entitled Angel City was released in the May of 2023 on HBO.[11]

Angel City FC qualified for their first-ever playoff berth in 2023, losing to OL Reign on October 20, 2023.[12]

Ahead of the 2024 season, it was reported that the four primary owners of the club had voted to have investment firm Moelis & Co., seek a new owner and investor that would assume control of Angel City’s board for a reported valuation of $180 million.[13]

In July 2024, it was reported that the CEO of the Walt Disney Company, Bob Iger, and his wife, Willow Bay, were close to purchasing Angel City FC's franchise, with the intention of becoming the team’s majority shareholder for upwards of $250 million. [14] The deal was officially announced by the club on July 17, 2024, with Iger and Bay investing $50 million into the club to become the majority shareholders, the $250 million valuation made Angel City the most valuable women's sport team in the world.[15] Angel City's board will continue to include Natalie Portman, Julie Uhrman, Alexis Ohanian and Gillian Berry.[16]

Colors and crest

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Angel City FC's official colors are "asphalt" and "armor" with "sol rosa" as an accent color, a pink-tinted hue unique to the club.[17]

On June 30, 2021, the club revealed its crest featuring an angel with wings inspired by the Southern California red-tailed hawk and shaped to mimic the area's palm trees, with the top of the crest sloping at a 22-degree angle to represent their 2022 entry into the league. The crest was designed by Amedea Tassinari.[18]

The club collaborated with supporters in the design of the colors, crest, and kit to ensure the club represented Los Angeles.[19]

In October 2021, Angel City pre-emptively retired shirt number 22 to recognize its founding year and the number of players on the pitch during matches. The team sells shirts bearing the number 22 and donates 10 percent of revenue through a charitable program managed by the California Community Foundation.[20]

On November 17, 2021, the club unveiled a black primary kit made of recycled materials called 'Dawn'. The kit's design features hints of sol rosa, an art deco pattern, and the team's motto "Volemos" above player names.[21] Angel's City's first away kit, called 'Daylight' which was only used in their 2022 inaugural season, was unveiled in April 2022 ahead of their match against rivals San Diego Wave FC. The primarily white kit, with black and sol rosa palm details inspired by the palm trees of Los Angeles, was created by art director and graphic designer Matthew Wolff.[22]

On March 16, 2023, Angel City released a new secondary kit featuring a print of the Los Angeles County coastline called 'Represent'.[23]

Two new kits were unveiled on February 27, 2024 as part of a league-wide refresh. The black primary jersey, named 'Moonlight' places the wing from Angel City’s crest in a gritty asphalt-like texture over a black background, and an all sol rosa and pink secondary jersey named 'Sol'.[24]

Kit history

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2022 away
2022–2023 home
2023 away

Sponsorship and revenue

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The club's eight-figure deal with DoorDash as the inaugural primary kit sponsor is the largest in the NWSL.[25] Angel City also sold $6 million in merchandise in 2022 to lead the league. The club's revenue accounted for 38.75% of the NWSL's total revenue on the year.[26] In 2023, Angel City's reported revenue was $31 million, nearly double the second-highest team.[13]

Period Kit manufacturer Front sponsor Back sponsor Sleeve sponsor Ref
2022– Nike DoorDash Sprouts Farmers Market Birdies [27]

Stadium

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In November 2020, it was announced the team would play its home matches at BMO Stadium in Exposition Park near Downtown Los Angeles.[28][29] BMO Stadium, formerly named Banc of California Stadium until 2023, is also home to Los Angeles FC of Major League Soccer.[29][30]

Players

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Current squad

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As of October 15, 2024.[31]
No. Pos. Player Nation
1 GK Hannah Stambaugh  Japan
2 FW Sydney Leroux  United States
3 DF Jasmyne Spencer  United States
4 MF Katie Zelem  England
5 DF Ali Riley (captain)  New Zealand
6 DF Megan Reid  United States
7 MF Rocky Rodríguez  Costa Rica
8 MF Meggie Dougherty Howard  United States
9 FW Casey Phair  South Korea
10 FW Claire Emslie  Scotland
11 DF Sarah Gorden  United States
13 GK DiDi Haračić  Bosnia and Herzegovina
16 DF M.A. Vignola  United States
17 MF Kennedy Fuller  United States
18 FW Jun Endo  Japan
19 GK Angelina Anderson  United States
20 DF Gisele Thompson  United States
21 FW Alyssa Thompson  United States
23 FW Christen Press  United States
24 FW Messiah Bright  United States
27 DF Madison Curry  United States
28 MF Lily Nabet  United States
33 FW Katie Johnson  Mexico
44 DF Elizabeth Eddy  United States
99 MF Madison Hammond  United States

Out on loan

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No. Pos. Player Nation
4 DF Vanessa Gilles (at Lyon until June 30, 2025[32])  Canada


Staff

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Current staff

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As of August 27, 2024.[33][34][35]
Executive
President Julie Uhrman
General manager Angela Hucles Mangano
Coaching
Head Coach Becki Tweed
First Assistant Coach Eleri Earnshaw
Head of Goalkeeping Omar Zeenni
Technical Assistant Coach Mykell Bates
Performance Analyst Oliver Blitz
Technical Staff
Technical Director Mark Wilson
Senior Director of Soccer Operations Marisa Leconte
Director of Player Care Chelsea Rodriguez
Soccer Operations Coordinator Alrick Drummond
Head Equipment Manager Brock Chartier
Director of Medical and Performance Sarah Smith
Head of Sports Science Dan Jones
Physical Performance Coach Michael Roman
Head Athletic Trainer Manny De Alba
Director of Rehabilitation Sarah Neal
Assistant Athletic Trainer April Seymon
Physical Therapist Joscelyn Shumate Bourne

Records

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Year-by-year

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Season League Regular season Playoffs Challenge Cup Summer Cup Avg. attendance
P W D L GF GA Pts Pos
2022 NWSL 22 8 5 9 23 27 29 8th did not qualify Group Stage — 19,105 (highest)[36]
2023 NWSL 22 8 7 7 31 30 31 5th Quarterfinals (first round) Group Stage — 19,756 (second-highest)[36]
2024 NWSL 26 7 6 13 29 42 24 — did not qualify did not qualify Semifinals 19,313 (second-highest)

Head coaching record

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As of March 24, 2024[37]

Only competitive matches are counted. Includes NWSL regular season, playoffs, and Challenge Cup matches.

All-time Angel City FC coaching records
Name Nationality From To P W D L GF GA Win%
Freya Coombe  England March 19, 2022 June 15, 2023[38] 36 10 9 17 39 53 027.78
Becki Tweed  England June 15, 2023[38] present 17 8 6 3 23 15 047.06

Team Records

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As of November 1, 2024.[39]
Top goalscorers
Player Goals scored
Name Nat. Pos. Angel City career NWSL Playoffs Cup Other Total
Claire Emslie Scotland SCO FW 2022–present 13 0 2 2 17
Savannah McCaskill United States USA MF 2022–2023 11 0 3 0 14
Alyssa Thompson United States USA FW 2023–present 9 0 0 2 11
Sydney Leroux United States USA FW 2022–present 9 0 1 0 10
Most appearances
Player Appearances
Name Nat. Pos. Angel City career NWSL Playoffs Cup Other Total
Jasmyne Spencer United States USA DF 2022–present 57 1 16 2 76
DiDi Haračić Bosnia and Herzegovina BIH GK 2022–present 62 0 9 2 73
Madison Hammond United States USA MF 2022–present 51 1 16 3 71
Megan Reid United States USA DF 2022–present 54 0 12 2 68
Claire Emslie Scotland SCO FW 2022–present 55 1 8 2 66
Sarah Gorden United States USA DF 2022–present 46 1 9 2 58
Clarisse Le Bihan France FRA MF 2022–2024 47 1 6 1 55
Savannah McCaskill United States USA MF 2022–2023 42 1 10 2 55
Alyssa Thompson United States USA FW 2023–present 46 1 6 2 55
Ali Riley New Zealand NZL DF 2022–present 44 1 10 0 54
Dani Weatherholt United States USA MF 2022–2023 41 0 12 1 54

Award winners

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See also: NWSL awards

Best XI First Team

Best XI Second Team

References

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  1. ^ a b Hays, Graham (July 21, 2020). "Hollywood stars and ex-USWNT players unite to bring NWSL team to Los Angeles". ESPN. Retrieved July 21, 2020.
  2. ^ Creditor, Avi (October 21, 2020). "NWSL L.A. Team Reveals Name, Even More High-Profile Investors". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved December 2, 2020.
  3. ^ a b c d e "Natalie Portman part of L.A. ownership group for NWSL expansion team in 2022". Los Angeles Times. July 21, 2020. Retrieved July 21, 2020.
  4. ^ Novy-Williams, Eben (April 11, 2023). "NWSL's Sixth Street Deal Has Safeguards for Private Equity First". Sportico. Retrieved April 11, 2023.
  5. ^ "Jenna Segal". Angel City FC. Archived from the original on May 14, 2023. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  6. ^ Kriger, Rachael (October 21, 2020). "Angel City FC confirms name, 2022 NWSL entry, additional owners – Equalizer Soccer". Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  7. ^ "Angel City Confirms Name as Angel City Football Club and Officially Joins National Women's Soccer League" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. October 21, 2020. Archived from the original on October 26, 2020. Retrieved October 21, 2020.
  8. ^ "Angel City FC Ownership". Angel City. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
  9. ^ "Tigres tamed in Los Angeles: Angel City FC 1, Tigres UANL Femenil 0". July 21, 2020. Archived from the original on August 11, 2022. Retrieved August 11, 2022.
  10. ^ "Mexico Wins Inaugural Copa Angelina 2–0". Angel City. Retrieved November 1, 2022.
  11. ^ "Hollywood A-listers unite for NWSL team in L.A." ESPN.com. July 21, 2020. Retrieved July 16, 2023.
  12. ^ "Match Recap: OL Reign Advances to Fifth Consecutive NWSL Semifinal with 1-0 Win Over Angel City FC". OL Reign. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  13. ^ a b "Amid board squabbles, Angel City seeking new owner for controlling stake of franchise". Los Angeles Times. March 16, 2024. Retrieved March 23, 2024.
  14. ^ "Disney CEO Iger close to $250m Angel City FC purchase". Sportcal. July 4, 2024.
  15. ^ Contreras, Gus; Kenin, Justine; Detrow, Scott. "Angel City FC becomes the world's most valuable women's sports team". Sports. All Things Considered. NPR.
  16. ^ "Angel City sells controlling stake at record price". ESPN.com. July 17, 2024. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
  17. ^ "Angel City Logo And Colours Released". footyheadlines.com. July 5, 2021.
  18. ^ "Angel City FC unveils official crest and colors". www.equalizersoccer.com. June 30, 2021.
  19. ^ "Angel City FC unveils franchise's first jersey". Los Angeles Times. November 17, 2021.
  20. ^ Hruby, Emma (October 6, 2021). "ACFC announces new player program, retirement of No. 22". Just Women's Sports. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
  21. ^ Linehan, Meg (November 17, 2021). "Angel City unveils inaugural primary kit: A 'timeless' look to set the tone for record-breaking aspirations". The Athletic. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
  22. ^ Brennan, Clare (April 2, 2022). "Angel City FC unveils away kit for inaugural NWSL season". Just Women's Sports. Retrieved March 28, 2024.
  23. ^ "Angel City 2023 Away Kit Released – Can Be Customized With 12 Unique Patches". Footy Headlines. March 16, 2023. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
  24. ^ "Light and Dark, Grit and Joy". angelcity.com. February 27, 2024. Retrieved March 4, 2024.
  25. ^ "DoorDash Signs On As Angel City FC Jersey Sponsor For Club Debut". Sports Business Journal. February 18, 2021.
  26. ^ "Winners of the 2023 Sports Business Awards". Sports Business Journal. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
  27. ^ "Angel City FC complete shirt sponsorship hattrick with Sprouts deal". www.sportspromedia.com. March 17, 2021.
  28. ^ "Angel City Football Club To Play At Banc Of California Stadium In Downtown L.A." November 19, 2020. Archived from the original on October 19, 2021. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
  29. ^ a b Baxter, Kevin (November 19, 2020). "NWSL's Angel City will play home games at Banc of California Stadium". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 20, 2021.
  30. ^ "LAFC's home venue renamed as BMO Stadium". MLSsoccer.com. January 19, 2023. Retrieved January 19, 2023.
  31. ^ "ACFC Roster". Angel City FC.
  32. ^ "Arrivée sous forme de prêt de Vanessa Gilles (Angel City)". www.ol.fr. Retrieved January 3, 2023.
  33. ^ "Angel City Football Club Elevates Angela Hucles Mangano to Team General Manager". Angel City FC. August 15, 2022. Retrieved August 15, 2022.
  34. ^ "Technical Staff". angelcity.com. Angel City FC. Retrieved May 24, 2023.
  35. ^ Linehan, Meg (June 14, 2023). "Angel City fires coach Freya Coombe after 11th-place start to season". The Athletic. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
  36. ^ a b "2023 NWSL Attendance". Soccer Stadium Digest. October 16, 2023. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
  37. ^ "Angel City Names Becki Tweed Head Coach". FBRef. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
  38. ^ a b "Angel City FC Parts Ways with Freya Coombe". Angel City.
  39. ^ "Angel City FC Stats and History". FBref. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
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