Angel City looks to improve after final loss of the season

LOS ANGELES -- Angel City wrapped up the final match of the 2024 regular season against the Portland Thorns with a 3-0 loss. Under the rain and night lights, Angel City couldn’t get Portland away from the goal. It wasn’t how ACFC wanted to end the season, but rather a snapshot of the issues the team has dealt with during the past 26 weeks. 

The visitors struggled to maintain defensive lines and shut Portland’s offensive chances in the first half, eventually being outshot 7-2 and down by three at halftime. In the 16th minute, Portland's star of the night, Christine Sinclair found the back of the net off a rebounded ball. Keeper Didi Haračić had stopped Sophia Smith's run but her save sent the ball to Sinclair's feet. 

Sinclair made her 200th NWSL appearance in her last career match. The Canadian star had 23,212 fans at Providence Park on their feet as she scored for her celebratory retirement match. 

ACFC had a chance to respond in the Angel City in the 22nd minute. Defender Christen Press, who made her first start of the season since returning from her ACL injury, played a ball into the box for forward Sydney Leroux, who attempted a lateral pass. It was blocked by Portland's defenders and returned to Press who took another shot but was also denied. 

In the 26th minute 

After already being eliminated from postseason contention, Angel City finished 7-13-6 (24 points). Friday's match secured Portland's spot in the playoffs. Now, the team looks towards the off-season to rebuild and improve ahead of the 2025 season. During Friday's match, nine Angel City players remained available as free agents: DiDI Haračić, Christen Press, Jasmyne Spencer, Meggie Doughtery Howard, Katie Johnson, Merritt Mathias, Claire Emslie, Madison Curry and Hannah Stambaugh. The club announced Leroux's re-signing through the 2027 season earlier this week.  

Head coach Becki Tweed