Savy King’s soccer journey started later than normal, but on Sunday the Agoura native had the chance to do what she loved in front of a large group of family and friends.
How many?
“A lot, maybe 40-50,” King said.
King, who attended Agoura High, kicked off her second season in the NWSL starting at center back for Angel City Football Club in last week’s 1-1 draw against San Diego Wave FC at BMO Stadium.
King, 20, was the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NWSL draft by Bay FC after spending one year at North Carolina. Last month, she was traded last month to Angel City and recently signed a two-year contract extension through 2028.
“Home opener is super exciting in general, but also a little bit nerve-wracking,” she said. “It’s awesome to play in front of a home crowd in my hometown. It’s awesome to be back in L.A.
“Last year, I played against L.A. in their home opener and it’s awesome now to be on the home side. I was happy with how I played and I’m super proud of everyone on this team.”
King’s soccer dreams started at 10.
“I was a little bit late when I first started,” she said. “I played a lot of different sports growing up, soccer was the last one I tried. No one in my family has ever played soccer, so it was kind of new to all of us. The last one stuck.
“I had a close family friend and we were really competitive growing up, like in elementary school and everything that we did, we would always compete and he started playing soccer and I was like, ‘OK, I want to play to soccer and I want to score more goals than him.’ That’s when it started.”
King started out as a forward, but made the move to defender a few years later. After playing left back last season, she’s moved to center back with Angel City.
“I was a center back in college, so it’s knowing a little bit about each position,” she said. “Understanding style of play. I enjoy playing anywhere in the back.”
King was paired with Sarah Gorden at center back Sunday.
“It’s a really new partnership for the both of us,” Gorden said. “We’ve had maybe one-and-a-half scrimmages where we’ve gotten to play together. She’s an incredible defender. She reads the game really well. She’s athletic, smart, technical, so it’s been great playing with her.”
“I think we’re kind of similar in ways that we’re both very athletic center backs. I’m continuing to kind of see where and when she likes to step. She’s aggressive and I love that, so it’s been a joy. So I’m excited to grow in our partnership.”
Youth being served
Angel City’s opening-day starting lineup had an average age of 24 years, 157 days, according to OptaJack. That is the fourth-youngest starting 11 on Opening Day in NWSL history.
Seven players in the lineup were 23 or younger.
ANGEL CITY FC at PORTLAND THORNS
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
How to watch: Prime Video