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LOS ANGELES—-It’s a hot day at BMO Stadium. It’s 85 degrees in the middle of October, but that’s not the only reason for the heat in the home of the Angel City Football Club.
The seats are packed—it’s a sea of pink and a sold-out crowd of 22,000. For a season that first began in March 2023, the seven months in between have been nothing short of a roller-coaster ride.
(Actress and filmmaker Elizabeth Banks leads ACFC's pregame "Three Clap" during the club's Fan Appreciation Day. Photo courtesy of Angel City FC)
And for this writer, who got her start only through the faith and trust of Angel City, it’s tough to be objective and stifle my screams of support from the press box.
(Photo by Jonah Breton @Tangentzine)
Against the #1 team in the NWSL, the Portland Thorns—the drama was movie-screen worthy. With 2 goals in just before the forty minute mark of the first half, ACFC was out for blood. The stakes were high, and a spot in the playoffs is what’s at risk. But this is the City of Stars and the magic of Hollywood seeped onto the field. It’s an underdog story for sure.
(Photo by Jonah Breton @Tangentzine)
Not only that, but it’s Fan Appreciation Day. Win or lose, ACFC made sure to recognize the Angels who’ve made it possible for them to spread their wings. At the end of the game, fans were given “fan-appreciation” co-branded mini-dasher bags that include DoorDash and Sprouts gift cards, a chip clip, a Sprouts snack, and information for a special promotional offer. During the fan fest, the team made sure acknowledge the land of the Kizh Nation, recognizing Indigenous People's day just a week after.
(Photo by Jonah Breton @Tangentzine)
In the 47th minute, ACFC stunned with a third goal. And when things didn't seem like they could get any better, ACFC scored for the fourth time by way of a bicycle kick.
(Photo by Jonah Breton @Tangentzine)
While the Portland Thorns scored one goal in the last fifteen minutes of the half, ACFC’s Jun Endo was quick to retaliate with the team’s 5th goal.
(Photo by Jonah Breton @Tangentzine)
Well-behaved women rarely make history. Today for ACFC, the team has scored the most goals they have in a single game in the entirety of their club’s existence.
(Photo by Jonah Breton @Tangentzine)
ACFC’s performance today is an ode to difficult women—to the aggressive, the feisty, the stubborn. It’s a message to the triumphant and fighting spirit that women’s sports champions: we are here and we will not back down.
As for the team at Tangent, we’re excited to see what’s next for ACFC. I certainly can’t wait.
(Photo by Jonah Breton @Tangentzine)
