May 13, 2023 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Angel City FC News Release
LOS ANGELES – Angel City fell 0-1 at home to the Washington Spirit today following a penalty goal in stoppage time by Spirit forward Ashley Sanchez.
Washington forced keeper DiDi Haračić to make the first save of the night in the 18th minute when a chaotic sequence involving blocked attempts and partial clearances by multiple players ended with forward Ashley Hatch putting a looping half-volley on target. Despite being partially screened, Haračić did well to jump and catch the attempt.
The Spirit came close again in the 23rd minute when Haračić punched away a free kick by defender Sam Staab. Sanchez picked up the recycled ball near the center of the box, but her attempt was off target.
Both sides continued to push for the remainder of the half, with each getting into the opposing box a number of times. Angel City had a handful of nervy moments, but gritty defending all four players on the back line- Madison Hammond, Sarah Gorden, Paige Nielsen, and MA Vignola- kept Washington off the board. Vignola also had ACFC’s only first-half shot on target in the 43rd minute, but keeper Aubrey Kingsbury made the save.
Angel City came out swinging in the second half, with forward Alyssa Thompson getting a near miss in the 51st minute. Forward Jun Endo intercepted a Washington pass and found Thompson making a run up the left. Thompson drove into space in the box, beating the Spirit center backs, but couldn’t find the right angle and sent her shot into the outside of the side netting.
In the 68th minute, Haračić swatted away a Washington corner kick, but the ball wasn’t completely cleared and eventually fell to forward Trinity Rodman, who sent a right-footed shot just wide of the left post.
Much of the last five minutes of regulation time took place in Angel City’s attacking third, with the team getting a handful of chances and near-chances on goal. In the 87th minute, Vignola wrestled past midfielder Marissa Sheva on the left side of the penalty box to send in a shot in, but it was from a difficult angle and went wide.
In stoppage time, Washington was awarded a penalty due to a controversial handball call in the box against Vignola. Hatch stepped up to take the shot and buried it past Haračić in the 94th minute.
Angel City Football Club faces North Carolina Courage on the road next Saturday, May 20 at 4pm PT/7pm ET on Paramount+.
POST-MATCH QUOTES
ACFC Midfielder Dani…