A Rollercoaster Ride
Angel City FC fell 2-1 to the Houston Dash in a heartbreaking finish that arrived in the 90th minute, a pattern that has become all too familiar this season as the team has conceded three goals in stoppage time and five after the 76th minute.
Coach Alex Straus has openly described the campaign as a rollercoaster, acknowledging the highs and the difficult stretches while stressing that each setback is a lesson for the squad and a chance to improve.
The club navigated a compact three‑game stretch that produced a draw against the Portland Thorns and a victory over the Kansas City Current, offering brief respite amid the turbulence.
With the men’s FIFA World Cup looming, Angel City will retreat for a month‑long summer break before re‑entering competition on July 3, a pause that could prove vital for fitness and cohesion.
Pasadena native Ashley Sanchez sits second in the NWSL’s Golden Boot race with seven goals, underscoring the club’s growing influence, while six of its players are set to depart for international duty after Sunday’s match.
The upcoming overseas assignments will see Gisele Thompson and Ary Borges link up with Brazil for friendlies, Evelyn Shores and Taylor Suarez join the U.S. U‑23 side for matches against Brazil’s U‑23 squad, Kennedy Fuller travel with the U.S. U‑20 team to face France in Spain, and Claire Emslie return to the Scotland national team for games against Israel.