LOS ANGELES -- Angel City FC has uncovered a new identity. The club kicked off the NWSL season at BMO Stadium with a take down 4-0 win over Chicago Stars FC.
This performance is far from what they had been able to accomplish last season. The organization's fifth season in existence undoubtedly started off with countless five star plays one after the other. From the start of the game, through the end of regulation, the Los Angeles team dominated the ball. Angel City had possession of the ball 59.3% of the time, while the Stars possessed the ball 40.7% of the time. Angel City had 18 shot attempts, and six shots on goal, laying the groundwork for a clear offensive takeover. On the other end of the field was Chicago Stars FC, who put up seven shot attempts and two shots on goal.
Following the match 19 year old Angel City FC midfielder Kennedy Fuller expressed how much this team was focused on how they wanted to play today. Fuller touched on how having head coach Alexander Straus in the off season and pre season for the first time positively impacted them for this day. “He was able to have these eight weeks to really hone in on, we had lots of meetings on exactly what he wanted. Our meetings were very long and our trainings were very long. So we were really really able to focus on exactly what he wanted. I’m hoping ya’ll can see that on the field.”
The second year Angel City player said she likes to think of herself as a veteran on this team, even though the 19 year old laughed after she said that, she without question acts the part. The leadership that she exudes is clear, and of course it helps that it was her goal in the 33’ minute that started off the scoring party for Los Angeles.
First year Angel City player Ary Borges, who is a Brazilian professional soccer player has already made her impact felt. It was announced January 6, 2026, that Borges signed a three-year contract with the club. Ahead of this season opener Borges was with NWSL’s Racing Louisville, and has had nearly 50 caps with the Brazilian Women’s National Team where she developed herself into the player that she is.
In the 66’ minute Borges scored her first goal as a midfielder for Angel City FC. The goal was nothing short of powerful and assertive. The Stars back field were taking their time sending the ball down field as they had newly gained possession. A Stars defender looked to casually pass the ball to their goalie, the keeper then tried to quickly pass the ball off to another teammate. It was too late as Borges read the play perfectly. As Alyssa Naeher, Chicago’s keeper attempted to get it away, Borges intercepted the pass and scored on a shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner.
Following the match, Borges put a lot of emphasis on the preparation that went into that moment. “It’s one of my qualities, to be aggressive in the press. To bring the intensity for the team, so yeah we train a lot for this situation and we knew it's going to happen in the game.”
