Ahead of Sunday’s return to BMO Stadium after three consecutive road games, Angel Football City Club was busy Friday night finalizing a pair of trades deemed “strategic” before the closing of the trade window.
Defender Paige Nielsen, who had helped ACFC solidify the club’s defensive group, was traded to the Houston Dash for $50,000 in allocation money and $50,000 in transfer funds.
Nielsen joined Angel City ahead of the club’s inaugural season through the expansion draft and played in 20 games in 2022 and 21 last season, missing just three games in the first two seasons with the club.
Nielsen posted a farewell message on her Instagram account:
“This job is one of the best, but it is hard. Although my time here at Angel City comes to an end, I want to thank the fans and community for making this place feel like home. To my teammates and staff, thank you for literally everything, from dancing, laughing, going through the ups and downs and pushing each other in the gym and on the field. Being at Angel City from day one has been a journey and I hope to continue to build what we’ve started and I want the absolute best for them (except for when they play Houston of course. …I leave L.A. knowing gave it my all and I’m excited for what comes next.”
Angel City also sent midfielder Amandine Henry, who joined the club last season, to the Utah Royals for $75,000 in allocation money. Henry, who started the season on loan in France with Lyon, signed a three-year contract last season.
The club’s trade release was sure to point out that “the trades free up both cap and roster space.”
“While decisions like these are never easy, these movements do enable us to make impactful additions to our roster in the coming months,” ACFC general manager Angela Hucles Mangano said.
One of those moves expects to be Christen Press’ return from the season-ending injury list. Press has been sidelined since 2022 following her ACL injury and four surgeries. The forward has increased her training workload, at least from what’s seen on social media, leading many to believe that she will in fact make her return this season. The next transfer window opens Aug. 1.
On the field, Angel City (1-2-1, four points) hosts the North Carolina Courage (CBSSN, 4:30 p.m.) in their first home game since the season opener March 17. Angel City is coming off its first win, 1-0 in Chicago Red Stars last Saturday.
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“The focus this week has been on how we can complete a 90-minute performance,” coach Becki Tweed said. “We’ve put together a decent amount of 45-minute performances, but for us it’s now about 90.”
The Courage (3-1, nine points) are the third team Angel City will face that is near or at top of the standings. Last week, Chicago was in second place and the Courage enters in second place this week, having scored nine goals while allowing just three.
NORTH CAROLINA at ANGEL CITY FC
When: 4:30 p.m. Sunday
Where: BMO Stadium
TV: Bally Sports SoCal, CBSSN