Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: Angel City loses by a goal.
If it sounds familiar, it’s because that’s been the differential for all five losses this season.
After a scoreless first half, the Courage were the first to find the back of the net in the 48th when Evelyn Ijeh took a pass from Manaka Matsukubo and outfoxed Angelina Anderson for the goal.
The lead only lasted for three minutes, as ACFC equalized on a Maiara Niehues strike to the back post.
Despite chances for both teams, it was Manaka who finally broke the tie and earned the win, firing a shot past Sarah Gorden and Anderson in the 79th.
L.A. nearly squeaked out a draw late in stoppage time when Kailen Sheridan couldn’t initially find the handle on a Taylor Suarez attempt, but she eventually corralled the ball to end the game.
The win moves NC to 7th, while ACFC stays put in 12. Angel City ends the month of May with a record of 1-1-4. As the last game before the international break, they will have until Independence Day weekend to try to get back on track.
