Angel City battles but still comes up short against league-best KC Current

Angel City did what it needed to do on Monday night.

Facing the recently-crowned NWSL Shield winners the Kansas City Current, Angel City was up for the challenge, especially since they are still alive for the final playoff berth. Angel City had 65 percent of the possession in the match, while on defense, they were able to neutralize KC’s vaunted attack.

However, the one thing that Angel City did not get however was a win. Even more excruciating for Angel City, the one time the Current did get a legitimate scoring chance, they capitalized on it, as Michelle Cooper’s early second half strike was all Kansas City needed, and they leave BMO Stadium with the 1-0 result.

“I’m really disappointed right now because I feel like we deserve more out of that game,” Angel City defender Sarah Gorden said. “It’s been a tough year and I’m really feeling that right now, but I am proud of the group for coming out and putting on a good performance, playing football, and doing what we trained to do. It’s just that final defensive thing and final offensive thing that we were lacking tonight.”

All is not lost for Angel City (6-11-6, 24 points), as they remain seven points back of the final playoff spot with three matches left in the season.

“I know that if we can perform like this going forward, we will win a lot of football games,” Angel Cit head coach Alex Straus said. “I’m proud of the players and the way that they looked, and at the same time, we also need to address the weaknesses. That will change because I will not accept that going forward, we cannot win anything if I accept that, and if we fix that, I believe we’re not far away from competing against this team.”

Kansas City struck in the 59th minute. Haley Hopkins won a ball deep inside Angel City territory and dribbled down the left side, Hopkins then crossed into the penalty area and Cooper, who had just come into the match a minute ago, sent a ball inside the six-yard box past keeper Angelina Anderson far post to give Kansas City the lead.

Despite the loss, Angel City can take solace in that it went toe to toe with the league’s best throughout the match by virtue of winning the possession battle. Angel City’s best chance to get a goal came in the 49th minute, as Jun Endo fired a left-footed shot that hit off the far post.

Monday’s match also was the Angel City debut for midfielder Hina Sugita, who was acquired midweek from the Portland Thorns in exchange for midfielder M.A. Vignolia. Angel City is hoping that Sugita’s skillset cane boost its offense during this final stretch.

“She brings something completely different to our team, especially in the midfield,” Angel City’s Kennedy Fuller said. “She’s fun to play with, she sees the field quickly. Her passing is beautiful, her vision is beautiful, and her movement is really good. Being able to add that depth into our team is super important.”

Angel City is back at it on Sunday afternoon, as they host the Houston Dash.