Angel City Football Club last played at BMO Stadium on July 6. On Sunday, the club finally returns home.
Before NWSL play resumes next week, Angel City gets one final tune-up, taking on FC Juarez from Liga MX Femenil in a friendly match.
Angel City lost that last home game – 2-1 against Gotham FC on July 6 – and then began NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup play. Angel City finished first in Group B with a 2-0-1 record, with two of those games at home at Cal State Fullerton’s Titan Stadium. Angel City advanced to the semifinals, losing again to Gotham FC, this time by a 1-0 score in Kansas City, Mo.
In that time, Angel City has welcomed Christen Press back into action. The star forward, after missing two-plus years due to ACL surgery and further knee complications, has come on as a substitute late in the past two games, including a 10-minute appearance in the semifinal loss Aug. 6.
“I think a huge takeaway from this tournament is the togetherness of this group and what we went through for the last four games,” Angel City coach Becki Tweed said after the semifinal loss. “I think you can see the joy, the freedom, and enjoying playing together. Taking the pressure off.
“I want everyone to be the best versions of themselves. We talked a lot about individuals and doing what you’re good at. That showed in this tournament.”
FC Juarez didn’t compete in the Summer Cup and is currently in 11th place at 2-0-4 in the 18-team Liga MX standings.
Juarez’s roster features five players with Southern California ties: Destinney Duron (Santa Clarita, Hart High, CSUN), Enya Hernandez (Menifee, Elsinore High), Annia Mejia (Bloomington, Bloomington High), Jasmine Casarez (Moreno Valley, Canyon Springs High) and Janelly Farias (Moreno Valley, Rancho Verde High, UC Irvine).
“I’m very excited for our club to play against Angel City in L.A.,” Casarez said in a statement. “I think it will be a different challenge for us. It will be exciting to see our style of play against theirs.”
Teams will be allowed unlimited substitutions and can dress 23 active players.
After the game, Angel City will turn its attention to the final stretch of the NWSL season. The club will return to action Aug. 24 at Snapdragon Stadium against San Diego Wave FC.
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With 10 games remaining, Angel City is in 11th place (15 points), but just three points behind the eighth and final playoff spot.
Zelem set to join training
New signing Katie Zelem will join training with Angel City early next week. Zelem was signed to a two-year contract last week.
FC JUAREZ at ANGEL CITY FC
When: 7 p.m. Sunday
Where: BMO Stadium
How to watch: DAZN
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