Angel City beats América in Summer Cup opener

FULLERTON, Calif.— Angel City began their NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup campaign with a 2-1 victory over Club América Femenil on Saturday night.

Midfielder Kennedy Fuller scored early and forward Sydney Leroux shut the door with an 89th-minute goal. But Angel City spent much of the second half on the back foot.

Their second-half performance left coach Becki Tweed wanting growth.

“We still have to find ways when our backs are against the wall, how do we create our own momentum,” Tweed said. “Syd’s goal was huge, but it was against momentum.”

Fuller's goal came on a shot she fired from around the edge of the box in the 29th minute and gave Angel City a 1-0 lead. Defender Merritt Mathias assisted the 17-year-old. 

With a well-placed finish, forward Sydney Leroux scored the eventual game-winning goal.

Leroux’s goal shut the door on América, who scored in second-half stoppage time. That effort was too little too late.

Angel City becomes second in Group B behind the San Diego Wave, who beat Bay FC by two goals. They showed improvement in the final third after being the team that scored the fourth fewest goals in the NWSL through 16 games. 

Angel City scored two goals on 0.66 expected goals (xG), displaying excellent finishing.

Tweed expected more from her team in the second half but wants them to build on their first-half performance. Angel City generated 0.48 xG compared to América’s 0.05 in the opening 45 minutes.

“We have to find ways to deal with sustained high pressure and be much better in that space,” Tweed said. “But to grind out a win is ultimately what is most important for us.

"We know we still have room to grow.”

Some of that first-half success came because of their experimentation with lineups. The Summer Cup allows Angel City to play competitive fixtures without as much pressure on results as the regular season.

Forward Messiah Bright made her second start for Angel City after being traded to them before the season from the Orlando Pride. The 2023 Rookie of the Year finalist showed potential with excellent runs. 

Bright received a through ball 11 minutes into the match and had a one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but her shot was saved.

“(Bright) had a really good first half,” Tweed said. “She created some opportunities.

"The more she can play and get minutes, the sharper she is going to become.”

Goalkeeper Angelina Anderson made her fourth appearance of the year and first since late March. She made four saves and allowed one goal.

Arguably, Anderson’s most crucial moment came in the 12th minute when she made a jumping save to prevent América from scoring. 

“We forget how young Angelina is,” Tweed said. “She's is a quality goalkeeper. She is 23 years old.”

Angel City plays Bay on Friday in their second match of the Summer Cup.