Short-Handed Louisville FC Secures Road Victory Against ACFC

Savannah DeMelo of Louisville FC controls the ball in the air while being defended by ACFC's Macey Hodge. Photo by Nicholai Roska for Tagent Zine.

In a physically intense match that resulted in 21 fouls from both sides and included five bookings, along with a red card for Louisville FC, Angel City was defeated 3-2 on their home turf at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California.

Angel City FC saw goals from forwards Alyssa Thompson and Riley Tiernan, while the visiting team found the net through midfielders Taylor Flint and Savannah DeMelo, as well as forward Emma Sears.

Taylor Flint of Louisville FC attempts to tackle Macey Hodge from Angel City FC. Photo by Nicholai Roska for Tangent Zine.

Louisville FC secured the match's opening goal in the 23' through a penalty kick by Taylor Flint, following a handball by ACFC midfielder Macey Hodge inside the box.

Megan Reid from Angel City FC shields the ball from Louisville FC's Kayla Fischer. Photo by Nicholai Roska for Tangent Zine.

ACFC rookie of the year candidate Riley Tiernan leveled the score for ACFC in the 48th minute, marking her sixth goal of the season. After a swift pass from Gisele Thompson, she maneuvered past multiple defenders and sent the ball into the left upper 90 of the net, right across Bloomer's face. 

Louisville quickly answered with consecutive goals in a short span. Sears capitalized on a defensive lapse after Arin Wright headed the ball into the box from a corner kick, allowing Sears to score from close range in the 53rd minute. Just three minutes later, forward Kayla Fischer advanced the ball down the center, feigned to the right, and then passed left to DeMelo, who scored, extending their lead to two goals early in the half. 

In the 67th minute, Louisville's Kayla Fischer was sent off after a physical altercation with Madison Hammond away from the ball and within the penalty area. Alyssa Thompson converted the penalty, reviving the atmosphere at BMO Stadium. This goal was Thompson's 14th career score and represented the 100th regular season goal for Angel City in NWSL history.

Despite being undermanned, Louisville managed to maintain their lead under significant pressure from ACFC. The closest  chance for ACFC to equalize came when midfielder Katie Zelem delivered a corner kick into the box, reaching Tiernan, who was unmarked in front of the goal. She attempted a header, but it unfortunately ended up in the hands of Louisville's Bloomer. 

Louisville (4-4-2) has secured victories in three of its last four matches, while Angel City FC (4-4-2) has suffered losses in two of its recent games. After the International FIFA Window, ACFC will return home to face Chicago Stars FC during the club’s Pride Celebration on Saturday, June 7 at 7:00 p.m., broadcast live on ION.