Angel City FC

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Angel City FC
Angel City FC logo.svg
Full nameAngel City Football Club
FoundedJuly 21, 2020;3 years ago (2020-07-21)
Stadium BMO Stadium
Capacity22,000
President Julie Uhrman
Head coach Becki Tweed
League National Women's Soccer League
2023 5th of 12
Playoffs: 5th Seed
Website Club website
Soccerball current event.svg Current season

Angel City Football Club is a National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) team that began play in the 2022 season. Based in Los Angeles, California, the formation of the team was announced on July 21, 2020. The team has many high-profile owners, including Natalie Portman, America Ferrera, Mia Hamm, Sophia Bush, Abby Wambach, Eva Longoria, and Serena Williams. [1]

Contents

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. [2] Angel City FC plays their home matches at BMO Stadium, which it shares with Los Angeles FC of Major League Soccer.

History

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] [2] [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]

Colors and crest

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. [14]

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. [15]

The club collaborated with supporters in the design of the colors, crest, and kit to ensure the club represented Los Angeles. [16]

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. [17]

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. [18] 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. [19]

On March 16, 2023, Angel City released a new secondary kit featuring a print of the Los Angeles County coastline called 'Represent'. [20]

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'. [21]

Kit history

Kit left arm acfc22a.png
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body acfc22a.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm acfc22a.png
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks long.svg
2022 away
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body acfc22h.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks long.svg
2022–2023 home
Kit left arm angelcity23a.png
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body angelcity23a.png
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Kit right arm angelcity23a.png
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2023 away

Sponsorship and revenue

The club's eight-figure deal with DoorDash as the inaugural primary kit sponsor is the largest in the NWSL. [22] 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. [23] In 2023, Angel City's reported revenue was $31 million, nearly double the second-highest team. [13]

PeriodKit manufacturerFront sponsorBack sponsorSleeve sponsorRef
2022– Nike DoorDash Sprouts Farmers Market Birdies [24]

Stadium

In November 2020, it was announced the team would play its home matches at BMO Stadium in Exposition Park near Downtown Los Angeles. [25] [26] BMO Stadium, formerly named Banc of California Stadium until 2023, is also home to Los Angeles FC of Major League Soccer. [26] [27]

Players

Current squad

As of March 12, 2024. [28]
No.Pos.PlayerNation
1 GK Hannah Stambaugh Flag of Japan.svg  Japan
2 FW Sydney Leroux Flag of the United States.svg  United States
3 DF Jasmyne Spencer Flag of the United States.svg  United States
5 DF Ali Riley (captain)Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand
6 DF Megan Reid Flag of the United States.svg  United States
7 MF Rocky Rodríguez Flag of Costa Rica.svg  Costa Rica
8 MF Meggie Dougherty Howard Flag of the United States.svg  United States
9 FW Casey Phair Flag of South Korea.svg  South Korea
10 FW Claire Emslie Flag of Scotland.svg  Scotland
11 DF Sarah Gorden Flag of the United States.svg  United States
12 DF Merritt Mathias Flag of the United States.svg  United States
13 GK DiDi Haračić Flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina.svg  Bosnia and Herzegovina
14 DF Paige Nielsen Flag of the United States.svg  United States
16 DF M.A. Vignola Flag of the United States.svg  United States
17 MF Kennedy Fuller Flag of the United States.svg  United States
18 FW Jun Endo Flag of Japan.svg  Japan
19 GK Angelina Anderson Flag of the United States.svg  United States
20 DF Gisele Thompson Flag of the United States.svg  United States
21 FW Alyssa Thompson Flag of the United States.svg  United States
23 FW Christen Press Flag of the United States.svg  United States
24 FW Messiah Bright Flag of the United States.svg  United States
26 MF Amandine Henry Flag of France.svg  France
27 DF Madison Curry Flag of the United States.svg  United States
28 MF Lily Nabet Flag of the United States.svg  United States
29 MF Clarisse Le Bihan Flag of France.svg  France
33 FW Katie Johnson Flag of Mexico.svg  Mexico
44 DF Elizabeth Eddy Flag of the United States.svg  United States
99 MF Madison Hammond Flag of the United States.svg  United States

Out on loan

No.Pos.PlayerNation
4 DF Vanessa Gilles (at Lyon until June 30, 2025 [29] )Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada


Staff

Current staff

As of January 31, 2024. [30] [31] [32]
Executive
President Julie Uhrman
General manager Angela Hucles Mangano
Coaching
Head Coach Becki Tweed
First Assistant Coach Eleri Earnshaw
Assistant Coach Lee Nguyen
Head of GoalkeepingOmar Zeenni
Technical Assistant CoachMykell Bates
Performance AnalystOliver Blitz
Technical Staff
Senior Director of Soccer OperationsMarisa Leconte
Director of Player CareChelsea Rodriguez
Soccer Operations CoordinatorAlrick Drummond
Head Equipment ManagerBrock Chartier
Director of Medical and PerformanceSarah Smith
Head of Sports ScienceDan Jones
Physical Performance CoachMichael Roman
Head Athletic TrainerManny De Alba
Director of RehabilitationSarah Neal
Assistant Athletic TrainerApril Seymon
Physical TherapistJoscelyn Shumate Bourne

Records

Year-by-year

SeasonLeagueRegular seasonPlayoffs Challenge Cup Avg. attendance
PWDLGFGAPtsPos
2022 NWSL 228592327298thdid not qualify Group Stage 19,105
2023 NWSL 228773130315th Quarterfinals Group Stage 19,756
2024 NWSL —————————did not qualify—

Head coaching record

As of March 24, 2024 [33]

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

All-time Angel City FC coaching records
NameNationalityFromToPWDLGFGAWin%
Freya Coombe Flag of England.svg  England March 19, 2022June 15, 2023 [34] 36109173953027.78
Becki Tweed Flag of England.svg  England June 15, 2023 [34] present178632315047.06

Team Records

As of March 22, 2024. [35]
Top goalscorers
PlayerGoals scored
NameNat.Pos.Angel City careerNWSLPlayoffsCupOtherTotal
Savannah McCaskill Flag of the United States.svg  USA MF2022–20231103014
Claire Emslie Flag of Scotland.svg  SCO FW2022–present70108
Alyssa Thompson Flag of the United States.svg  USA FW2023–present40015
Most appearances
PlayerAppearances
NameNat.Pos.Angel City careerNWSLPlayoffsCupOtherTotal
Savannah McCaskill Flag of the United States.svg  USA MF2022–202342110255
Dani Weatherholt Flag of the United States.svg  USA MF2022–202341012154
Paige Nielsen Flag of the United States.svg  USA DF2022–present4116250
Ali Riley Flag of New Zealand.svg  NZL DF2022–present39110049
Jun Endo Flag of Japan.svg  JPN FW2022–present3817248
Jasmyne Spencer Flag of the United States.svg  USA DF2022–present32112247
Didi Haracic Flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina.svg  BIH GK2022–present3807146
Madison Hammond Flag of the United States.svg  USA MF2022–present29112244
Clarisse Le Bihan Flag of France.svg  FRA MF2022–present3516143
Megan Reid Flag of the United States.svg  USA DF2022–present3108140

Award winners

Best XI First Team

Best XI Second Team

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References

  1. ↑ Creditor, Avi (October 21, 2020). "NWSL L.A. Team Reveals Name, Even More High-Profile Investors". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved December 2, 2020.
  2. 1 2 Hays, Graham (July 21, 2020). "Hollywood stars and ex-USWNT players unite to bring NWSL team to Los Angeles". ESPN . Retrieved July 21, 2020.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "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. 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. 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. 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. 1 2 "Amid board squabbles, Angel City seeking new owner for controlling stake of franchise". Los Angeles Times. March 16, 2024. Retrieved March 23, 2024.
  14. ↑ "Angel City Logo And Colours Released". footyheadlines.com. July 5, 2021.
  15. ↑ "Angel City FC unveils official crest and colors". www.equalizersoccer.com. June 30, 2021.
  16. ↑ "Angel City FC unveils franchise's first jersey". latimes.com. November 17, 2021.
  17. ↑ Hruby, Emma (October 6, 2021). "ACFC announces new player program, retirement of No. 22". Just Women's Sports. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
  18. ↑ 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.
  19. ↑ Brennan, Clare (April 2, 2022). "Angel City FC unveils away kit for inaugural NWSL season". Just Women's Sports. Retrieved March 28, 2024.
  20. ↑ "Angel City 2023 Away Kit Released – Can Be Customized With 12 Unique Patches". Footy Headlines. March 16, 2023. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
  21. ↑ "Light and Dark, Grit and Joy". angelcity.com. February 27, 2024. Retrieved March 4, 2024.
  22. ↑ "DoorDash Signs On As Angel City FC Jersey Sponsor For Club Debut". Sports Business Journal . February 18, 2021.
  23. ↑ "Winners of the 2023 Sports Business Awards". Sports Business Journal . Retrieved May 25, 2023.
  24. ↑ "Angel City FC complete shirt sponsorship hattrick with Sprouts deal". www.sportspromedia.com. March 17, 2021.
  25. ↑ "Angel City Football Club To Play At Banc Of California Stadium In Downtown L.A." November 19, 2020. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
  26. 1 2 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.
  27. ↑ "LAFC's home venue renamed as BMO Stadium". MLSsoccer.com. January 19, 2023. Retrieved January 19, 2023.
  28. ↑ "ACFC Roster". Angel City FC.
  29. ↑ "Arrivée sous forme de prêt de Vanessa Gilles (Angel City)". www.ol.fr. Retrieved January 3, 2023.
  30. ↑ "Angel City Football Club Elevates Angela Hucles Mangano to Team General Manager". Angel City FC. August 15, 2022. Retrieved August 15, 2022.
  31. ↑ "Technical Staff". angelcity.com. Angel City FC. Retrieved May 24, 2023.
  32. ↑ Linehan, Meg (June 14, 2023). "Angel City fires coach Freya Coombe after 11th-place start to season". The Athletic . Retrieved June 15, 2023.
  33. ↑ "Angel City Names Becki Tweed Head Coach". FBRef. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
  34. 1 2 "Angel City FC Parts Ways with Freya Coombe". Angel City.
  35. ↑ "Angel City FC Stats and History". FBref . Retrieved January 29, 2024.
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