LOS ANGELES – Angel City FC was desperate, tired of coming up short. Forward Syndey Leroux had enough suffering and decided to take matters into her own hands. Squared at 2-2, Leroux exploded past the Racing Louisville (3-6-4, 15 points) backline to deliver the go-ahead goal in the 85th minute to lift Angel City FC (4-6-3, 15 points) to a 3-2 victory Wednesday night at BMO stadium.
“It’s poetic. Juneteenth, I got the the game-winner,” said Leroux. “I’m so happy to be here and help my team in any way that I can.”
On a misplayed header from Racing Louisville in their territory, Angel City forward Alyssa Thomspon found herself in possession of the ball. Demonstrating her precision passing, Thompson threaded the ball between multiple Louisville defenders, setting up the perfect shot opportunity for Leroux. Leroux took one touch to settle herself inside the box and unleashed a powerful strike into the left corner, sparking an eruption of joy from the fans.
“I think it’s so fitting that Syd scored the winning goal because, for two games, she’s left everything that she possibly has on the field,” head coach Becki Tweed said.
https://x.com/NWSL/status/1803640207930970542
Louisville fought an uphill battle from the jump, trailing by two goals in the first 40 minutes of play. Louisville midfielder Taylor Flint got the ball rolling, capitalizing on a penalty opportunity in the 41st minute. Gaining momentum in the second half, defender Carson Becket scored the then-equalizer in the 63rd minute inside the box on an assist from forward Emma Sears.
As tensions reached an all-time high, Louisville got themselves a golden opportunity in the 82nd minute. On a corner kick from Louisville, forward Abby Erceg looked to have a surefire goal off a header, yet with one hand, Angel City goalkeeper Didi Haračić delivered a diving save to stop the go-ahead chance.
https://x.com/NWSL/status/1803638583665786972
“As much as game-winning goals are important, game-winning saves are also important,” said Tweed. “Credit to Didi and just the work she has done over the last couple of weeks to stay consistent.”
On a night celebrating Juneteenth, Angel City celebrated their first three-goal game of the season. With family in the stands, 17-year-old forward Kennedy Fuller scored her first career goal in the 17th minute.
“I think that that ball was just perfectly placed. And then don’t remember anything after, just lots of hugs and celebrations,” said Fuller, reflecting on the moment.
Angel City defender Rocky Rodriguez scored inside the box in the 32nd minute.
https://x.com/judocanas/status/1803619179851030649
Angel City finally got over the hump, securing their first win in over a month. With Wednesday’s win, the club sits in 9th place, knocking on the door of a top-eight spot in the NSWL.
Next, Angel City heads north for an away match versus Bay FC (4-9-0) on Saturday at 7:00 p.m.
