In a thrilling showdown under the bright lights of Los Angeles, Christen Press emerged from the bench to light up the pitch, leading Angel City to a decisive 2-0 victory against the Utah Royals in the National Women’s Soccer League on Friday night.
On the same evening, Racing Louisville pulled off a narrow but significant 1-0 win against Gotham FC, making waves in the league.
Joining the action in the 65th minute, Press wasted no time making her presence felt. Just 25 seconds after stepping on the field to replace Claire Emslie, she skillfully maneuvered past Madison Pogarch and delivered a stunning shot into the top left corner of the net, sending the crowd into a frenzy!
Adding to the excitement, Alyssa Thompson secured a second goal for Angel City, unleashing a powerful strike that ricocheted off the post and found its way into the back of the net during the seventh minute of extra time.
However, the match didn’t come without its concerns; Angel City defender Savy King faced a worrying moment when she suffered a non-contact injury in the 78th minute and had to be carted off the field for medical attention. Thankfully, the Angel City team reported that she was responsive and in the capable hands of club medical staff and her family.
This victory marks Angel City’s first shutout of the season, improving their record to 4-2-2.
On the other side, the Utah Royals are struggling with a disappointing record of 1-6-1, having dropped six of their last seven matches.
In another dramatic clash, Taylor Flint shone bright for Racing Louisville, scoring the team’s first home win of the season at Lynn Family Stadium.
Receiving the ball in a promising position, Flint unleashed a remarkable shot from nearly 30 yards out in the 56th minute, marking her career’s tenth goal in the NWSL and her first from outside the box!
Gotham FC had their chances, but Esther González missed a crucial opportunity to level the score in the 72nd minute, failing to secure a header from a close range.
Despite Gotham’s impressive 63% possession and outshooting Louisville 13-9, the game was marked by its physical intensity, with Louisville committing just one less foul (16) than Gotham’s 17.
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