Goalkeeper Angelina Anderson – who played a pivotal role as a late-season starter when Angel City reached the playoffs for the first time in 2023 — found herself sitting on the bench after losing her starting spot early in 2024.
But she focused on developing as she watched goalkeeper DiDi Haračić, primarily, and Angel City allow a tied second to league-worst 42 goals.
Anderson knew her time would come.
“Last year was absolutely pivotal for my growth as a pro,” she said. “I learned how to be a pro when things aren't going your way, and that's looking forward. That might be one of the most valuable years I will have in my career."
That moment arrived, as Anderson was named vice-captain and starting goalkeeper entering 2025.
And the 24-year-old showcased why she earned those honors Friday, making timely stops in Angel City’s 1-1 draw with the Portland Thorns.
“I don't know if I was ready last year,” she added. “I feel ready this year, and I'll keep harping on the fact that there is always room to improve.
"I felt proud of my performance tonight of keeping us in the game with some big saves. It’s showing, and I'm hoping to keep gaining confidence game in, game out.”
Angel City took a 9th-minute lead when midfielder Kennedy Fuller fired a shot past Thorns goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold after receiving the ball from defender Gisele Thompson in the box and spinning away from the net toward her left foot.
Angel City followed with a few more productive minutes, but from there, mainly, the Thorns created opportunities. By the end, the home side generated more expected goals (xG) than the visitors, 1.5 to 0.42, marking the second straight game where L.A. produced less than one xG.
Luckily for Angel City, Anderson delivered multiple clutch stops during an eight-save night despite Thorns forward Reilyn Turner's 30th-minute equalizer.
Turner, once a UCLA standout, scored on a corner kick after the ball bounced in the box to her, wide open, for a tap-in finish in the 30th minute.
Anderson could only do so much at that point.
The only reason Angel City hadn’t conceded moments before was that Anderson dove to save Turner’s attempt in the 29th minute after the dynamic player juked away from defenders Sarah Gorden and Savy King.
And Anderson did it again, again and again.
In the 84th minute, Anderson tipped a rocketing half-volley attempt by Thorns midfielder Hina Sugita over the bar.
In the final minutes of stoppage time, Anderson dispatched another attempt off-target after Thorns forward Alexa Spaantra found herself on goal.
“(Anderson) made a massive jump tonight, and that will do her confidence a world of good,” coach Sam Laity said. “Part of the development is in experiences and having games like that. I'm sure she'll work and grow from that now.”
Anderson thrived in just her 10th career appearance and second of the season, crediting her team’s ability to remain calm as the Thorns piled in late chances.
Laity said the growing goalkeeper has an “old head on her shoulders,” which is part of why she serves as a vice-captain. He added that she adds a layer to her game every few weeks.
“(Her performance is) why myself and the club has got so much faith in her to be the No. 1, because she's got all the attributes to be one of the top goalkeepers in the world,” Laity said of Anderson.
Angel City Football Club
Angel City trotted out the same lineup as their 1-1 season-opening draw with the San Diego Wave, including Anderson, featuring six players 23 years old or younger.
18-year-old Fuller found 20-year-old forward Alyssa Thompson on Angel City’s only goal in the first fixture with a curling no-look pass using the same left foot she employed to score against the Thorns.
Fuller’s early-season production comes after she expressed a desire to display creativity after starting 10 matches during her rookie year, scoring one goal and assisting none — tallies which she has equaled and surpassed through two contests this season.
“She can be a really dangerous and productive player between the lines,” Laity said about Fuller. “One of the things we've been talking about production — If you're going to be playing as an attack midfield player — and you're playing in between the lines — it's about end product… The last two games, she’s been fantastic.”
Anderson said playing in Portland was challenging and proud that her team claimed a road point.
Laity credited the Thorns’ atmosphere, noting his pleasure that his group momentarily silenced the crowd with the early goal. However, he added Angel City lost control after the opening 20 minutes.
Laity wants Angel City to build on their early performance when they return to action against Seattle Reign on March 30.
“(We had) a really good start, good structure, good organization and then lost a bit of control,” Laity said.