Football

Angel City FC Edges Past Orlando Pride, Eyes NWSL Showdown with San Diego Wave

Veteran Icelandic midfielder Sveindís Jónsdóttir and debutant Ally Sentnor shine as coach Leif Gunnar Smerud plots a defensive masterclass against the league leaders.

Angel City Football Club secured a 2‑0 win over the Orlando Pride on July 3, a result that underscores the team’s growing chemistry after a busy transfer window.

Icelandic midfielder Sveindís Jónsdóttir made a decisive comeback from a foot injury, contributing both creativity and defensive cover that shifted the balance in Angel City’s favor.

Debutant Ally Sentnor, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft, logged the full 90 minutes on her club debut, a performance that reflected the $850,000 investment the franchise made to acquire her from the Kansas City Current.

A Tactical Turnaround

Head coach Leif Gunnar Smerud emphasized teamwork and a disciplined defensive shape as the club prepares to face the San Diego Wave, currently perched at the summit of the NWSL table.

San Diego Wave arrive with a potent attack, having scored 21 goals while conceding just 13, but Angel City’s recent defensive adjustments suggest a tighter contest ahead.

The upcoming clash will be the second meeting between the two California‑based sides, the first having ended in a 2‑1 win for San Diego, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the rivalry.

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