Angel City Football Club has seen some positives through the first two NWSL games of the season.
First, both games have ended in draws, and one point is always better than no points. That is especially true since Angel City struggled holding on to leads and potential draws late last season.
“With two ties, not losing is a big thing we can take,” forward Claire Emslie said. “We want to get wins and that’s what we’re looking to do this weekend.”
Angel City has consecutive 1-1 draws against San Diego Wave FC on March 16 and against the Portland Thorns on March 21.
This week’s challenge is a big one in Seattle Reign.
In the first 11 meetings, Angel City has lost eight and has been outscored 20-10.
“I think they’re the most organized and tactically sound team in the league,” Emslie said. “I think every time we’ve played Seattle, one half will look like one thing and (coach) Laura Harvey is so good at changing tactics, to make things so difficult for us. So, I think it’s always just trying to be aware and read patterns and sort of track runners and then not just do that, but realize they’re going to change it up and you have to be ready for everything against Seattle.”
Seattle (1-0-1, four points) opened the season with a 1-1 draw against Gotham FC and defeated North Carolina 2-1 last week.
“I know a lot of players in Seattle,” ACFC interim coach Sam Laity said. “It’s probably been the biggest turnover they had in a long time for the club, in terms of player recruitment and new players coming in. They’ve got a lot of younger players into the squad, so a lot of players that have got pace and high potential.
“It’s been interesting to see how they’ve integrated into that squad. I will say it’s a very settled and pretty mature team. Laura (Harvey) has been there a number of years and they have a pretty set structure and a good rhythm on and off the field.”
The goal for Angel City is finding a level of consistency, according to Laity.
“Recognizing moments and opportunities a little bit earlier. I think you saw some really, really good moments against San Diego (in the season opener),” Laity said. “I thought we had a controlled start against Portland, then we lost a bit of control. The objective for this game is to grab ahold of the game early and have control for longer periods and that includes without the ball.
“Looking to do things at a more consistent level for a longer period of time.”
International duty call-ups
Sunday’s game is the last before the international break. Emslie will depart to join Scotland, Savy King and Gisele Thompson will stay in town and join the U.S. U-23 camp at Dignity Health Sports Park.
Alyssa Thompson will join the senior national team in preparation for a pair of friendlies against Brazil, including next Saturday at SoFi Stadium. Angelina Anderson will also join the USWNT as a training camp player. Casey Phair will join the South Korean national team for the Women’s Asian Cup.
Also, Kennedy Fuller will head to Georgia for a U.S. U-19 training camp.
Angel City will return to NWSL play April 12 at Houston Dash.
SEATTLE REIGN FC at ANGEL CITY FC
When: 5 p.m. Sunday
Where: BMO Stadium
How to watch: CBSSN