Angel City defeat Houston Dash, hang on to possibility of playoff contention

LOS ANGELES- During a tension-filled afternoon under the California sun, Kennedy Fuller and Maiara Niehues’ second-half goals secured Angel City’s much-needed 2-0 triumph over the Houston Dash. 

Although slightly disorganized at times, Angel City’s hunger to win was undeniable. Immediately after the first whistle blew, Angel City saw its first chance with a corner kick in the second minute. Fuller was headed into the box but was tipped out by the Dash goalie, resulting in another corner kick. 

In the sixth minute, Gisele Thompson intercepted the ball, regaining possession and flying down the right flank. Thompson sent the ball into the box, anticipating a teammate would be there to connect, but the Dash got to it first, knocking the ball away. 

Despite the many shots and chances they created, ACFC struggled to capitalize in the first half. Overshot balls, unnecessary turnovers, and failed pass completions plagued the offensive attack reminiscent of matches in the early season. Yet, Angel City’s determination persisted, and players wasted no time creating more opportunities. 

Defensively, Los Angeles kept Houston on lock for the most part. Aside from some gaps in coverage that allowed runs briefly, Angel City’s backline deflected ball after ball during the Dash’s high press. Neither team managed to score before heading into the locker room. 

That changed almost instantly with Angel City dominating as the second half began. Fuller opened the scoring in the 53rd minute with a right-footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner following a fast break and set up from Hina Sugita’s previous goal attempt. 

The goal marks Fuller’s fourth of the season and Sugita’s first ACFC assist since joining the team two weeks ago. 

An impressive team save in the 63rd minute kept Angelina Anderson’s score sheet clean, making it the fourth one this season. Angel City doubled the score in the 86th minute with a goal by Niehues. The Brazilian received the ball from Jun Endo and broke past Houston’s goalkeeper, running down to the box before sending the ball flying straight into the back of the net.  

It's Niehues' second goal with Angel City since signing in March. Endo's assist is a testament to her talent and recovery journey. She was removed from the injury list in June, making her return to the pitch after tearing her left anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in February 2024 during preseason. Endo is one of eight remaining players from the club's 2022 inaugural roster. 

"I was actually expecting that beautiful touch from Jun. It was a wonderful, great celebration," said Niehues. 

Sunday's match seemed like a new team. It was one of the best defensive performances from the club in a very long time. 

"We took a breath of relief, of happiness when that final whistle blew because we work every week for these results. I think today, one of the differences was that we had swagger about us that we weren't going to lose. Sometimes it's like having that intangible mindset about us as a team," said Anderson. "We were putting in big, big plays tonight and making sure that in those little moments, we don't let them slip. I think that was a big difference for sure."

Recent signing Prisca Chilufya made her club debut, coming on as a substitute in the 88th minute. 

Fuller and Niehues’ goals keep Angel City in contention for a playoff spot unless a series of unfortunate events occurs. If the San Diego Wave (sixth spot) and Racing Louisville (eighth spot) win their respective matches, and the Orlando Pride (third spot) wins or draws its game against the Washington Spirit (second spot), Angel City is eliminated due to a lack of points scored. 

As of Sunday, ACFC sits 10th in the league standings. If Angel City (7-6-11, 27 points) manages to make it through the week safe from the aforementioned sequence, the club must win both of its upcoming matches. Next Sunday, ACFC faces off against the Portland Thorns for its final home match of the season and fan appreciation night. Then, for Angel City’s final game of the 2025 season, the Los Angeles side flies to Chicago to take on the Chicago Red Stars on November 2nd.