Angel City FC’s momentous run in this year’s NWSL campaign came to an end on the road against OL Reign earlier tonight with the final score 1-0.
(Angel City FC goalkeeper Angelina Anderson saves a shot attempt from OL Reign's Rose Lavelle . Photo by Angel City FC)
Striker Veronica Latsko scored the lone goal of the match and was enough to give the home team a win and advance to the semi-finals against the San Diego Wave on November 5.
(Angel City's Claire Emslie (10) dribbles past OL Reign's defense. Photo by Angel City FC)
The team from Los Angeles had its chances, controlling the game in the first half with 54% ball possession. Their best chance came in the 30th minute when midfield Claire Emslie sent a cross to a sliding Sydney Leroux missing the ball with an inch that could have put them ahead.
(OL Reign's Megan Rapinoe gathers herself for a direct free kick. Photo by Angel City FC)
(Angel City FC defender Paige Nielsen (14) shields the ball from OL Reign's Veronica Latsko. Photo by Angel City FC)
OL Reign regrouped and showed their playoff experience in the second half. Jess Fishlock and Megan Rapinoe, veterans with more than a decade playing together, had multiple chances between them but was foiled by Angel City keeper Angelina Andersen who made acrobatic saves including a Rose Lavelle screamer. For her heroics, Anderson was later named the player of the match.
(Angel City FC goalkeeper Angelina Anderson grabs the ball safely from an OL reign corner kick. Photo by Angel City FC)
ANGEL CITY FC VS OL REIGN HIGHLIGHTS
Video Credit: Angel City FC
Despite the loss, Angel City FC had a lot to be proud of this season including an 11-game unbeaten run that pulled their ranking from the bottom of the table to finishing fifth overall at the end of the season. Five players from their roster including interim head coach Becki Tweed are up for consideration for the end of season NWSL awards.
(Photo by Angel City FC)
Interim head coach Becki Tweed in the post-game presser stressed: "The pain of this loss must be felt but it gives us a taste of the playoffs. The only way we can use this is to grow and get better."
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