May Madness continues, and ACFC seems to be thriving under the pressure.
After starting the season with three consecutive wins, and their first-ever ranking at the top of the table, they promptly turned around and lost four in a row.
Despite schedule catch-up meaning they’re facing six games this month, and THREE this week, they managed a draw on Sunday on the road against current league-leading Portland, then tonight bested the KC Current at home.
L.A. wasted no time, with Gisele Thompson scoring in the 9th minute—her third goal of the season. It looked like they were going to take that lead into the locker at the half, but an Ally Sentnor shot was partially deflected by ACFC’s Nealy Martin, throwing goalie Angelina Anderson off her stride and tying up the match.
KC had an opportunity to break the stalemate in the 57th, when an Emily Sams foul on Sentnor inside the box sent Lo’eau LaBonta to the spot. Anderson read it all the way, earning the second penalty save of her career.
Despite Angel City keeping up the pressure, they were unable to find the back of the net again until the 71st minute. KC’s Bayley Feist attempted to clear the ball backwards, but it wound up at the feet of Thompson. She immediately found Kennedy Fuller, who had only subbed in minutes earlier. Fuller only needed one touch to drill it past Current goalie Lorena to put Angel City back on top.
Fuller nearly got the brace 8 minutes later, but found the corner woodwork instead of the back of the net.
Despite pressure from Kansas City, ACFC held, scoring their first win since week 3 of the season. The points were enough to move up to 7th, and they still are two games behind the leaders at the top of the schedule.
They face the loser of that last victory, travelling to Houston to face the Dash on Saturday. KC gets a day more rest, but they will have to face #1 Portland Thorns at home Sunday.
Article and photos: Jim Sabo
