Source: Yahoo Sports
Angel City FCAngel City say tearful goodbye to Press, Riley and playoff contentionByMichelle ChavezOct 20, 2025•2:59 amShare via facebookShare via TwitterShare via emailLOS ANGELES — Sunday’s match against the Portland Thorns ended Angel City’s chances at a spot in the playoffs, thanks to a 2-0 loss. But the story of the night was the tearful goodbyes of Christen Press and Ali Riley, two major players in the club’s history.The loss is a tough blow to the club, as this is their third year without making a playoff match. Of its four seasons played, Angel City has made one playoff appearance. It wasn’t the most dynamic performance the club had given, but players like Gisele Thompson, Evelyn Shores and Jun Endo helped create four shots on target and break past Portland’s attack.Portland opened the scoring in the 23rd minute. Midfielder Olivia Moultrie received a pass from forward Alexa Spaanstra just outside the 18, drove forward a few steps, and sent the ball to the back of the net.In the 36th minute, Thompson created a chance. Midfielder Miyabi Moriya and forward Riley Tiernan combined outside the penalty area, with Tiernan sending a lateral pass to Thompson. The defender dribbled to the edge of the box, cut the ball to her left foot, and put a strike on target, which goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold leapt to tip over the bar with one hand.In the 60th minute, Moultrie’s successful penalty kick doubled the score, drawn a few minutes before by ACFC defender Sara Doorsoun.In the 63rd minute, Angel City had another chance when Moriya found forward Christen Press near the penalty spot with her back to goal. Press turned her defender and put a shot on target, but Arnold saved.While Olivia Moultrie’s brace added a loss to ACFC’s record, the club would have been eliminated regardless of the outcome against the Thorns. Midway through the first half of Angel City’s game, Racing Louisville tied the Houston Dash. The draw put Louisville at 37 points on the table, which is higher than the total of possible points Angel City could accumulate in its last two games, effectively removing Los Angeles from playoff contention.A hometown farewellThe game marked the final home game for Angel City originals Press and Riley, who were honored in a tear-filled ceremony after the match. Press and Riley both made their final home game appearances to a chorus of chants. The two grew up in Los Angeles and were given a hometown hero goodbye filled with cheers, claps, and tears as teammates, front office staff and parents spoke before presenting both players with framed jerseys.A celebration of two icons 💖🪽@weareangelcityhonors Ali Riley and Christen Press for their incredible careers and lasting impact on the women’s game 👏pic.twitter.com/o7IqernTqY— W Golazo (@WGolazo)October 20, 2025In the 61st minute, Press checked in for the last time at home in front of 19,841 fans.For the last time at home, Christen Press steps onto the field. 💕pic.twitter.com/QAYCdtJxxX— National Women’s Socc…
Published: 2025-10-20T05:56:32
Leave a Reply