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Angel City FC's Sydney Leroux scores the winning goal in the 85th minute. Photo by Angel City FC
It has been over six weeks since Angel City FC tallied a W on the NWSL standings. But after reshuffling much of its line up each game to try and find the winning combination, it looks as though coach Becki tweed and company found the perfect mix as ACFC escaped a 3-2 thriller over Racing Louisville on Wednesday night here in Los Angeles.
Kennedy Fuller celebrates with Madison Curry after scoring her first NWSL goal. Photo by Angel City FC
ACFC played a high paced and fun first half as it opened with two goals with the first one coming from its 17-year-old midfielder Kennedy Fuller in the 17th minute. A short pass from defender Madison Curry inside the box was well received by Fuller who perfectly placed the ball off Racing Louisville GK Katie Lund's reach.
With the ball much in their possession, ACFC found the back of the net again in the 32' from a set piece orchestrated by Merrit Matthias. The seasoned defender directed the ball into the penalty box fray for Rocky Rodriguez to pounce.
Racing Louisville put themselves back in the game after defender Megan Reid was called for a questionable foul inside the penalty box. USWNT member midfielder Taylor Flint converted calmly and without hesitation in the 41'.
A rejuvenated Racing Louisville kicked off the 2nd half pushing ACFC on the defensive end. The equalizer came after a cross from striker Emma Sears on the right-hand side gave defender Carson Pickett enough space to beat ACFC GK Didi Haracic with a sweet shot in the 64'.
With the game deadlocked at 2-2 and only 7 minutes left in regulation, Angel City FC fought toe to toe against a physically imposing Racing Louisville team. In a chippy game that produced seven yellow cards and 27 fouls from both teams, ACFC showed it can hold its own and maintain poise when it matters most. In the 85', striker Alyssa Thompson served a Messi-like short pass to a cutting Sydney Leroux, and with a soft one touch dribble, the savvy veteran blasted the ball in the far post beating GK Katie Lund to ice the game for the home team.
The winning goal was Sydney Leroux's 45th career NWSL regular season goal, making her tied for 9th all-time with Debinha on the NWSL scoring list.
Sydney Leroux celebrates with teammate Alyssa Thompson after scoring the winning goal. Photo by Angel City FC
Up Next: Angel City FC will play Bay FC on Saturday, June 22. The game will be broadcasted live on ION starting at 7:00 PM PT
Highlights from ACFC's YT Channel
