Angel City’s season opener against the San Diego Wave resulted in a 1-1 tie, signaling a step forward for the team after losing its last two season openers. The match drew nearly 20,000 fans, but the team faced setbacks as veteran forward Sydney Leroux announced an indefinite mental health break just hours before kickoff. The unexpected news left Angel City without three World Cup veterans for the season opener, including Leroux, Ali Riley, and Jun Endo, who are all dealing with injuries. Despite these challenges, Angel City showed promise on the field, with Alyssa Thompson scoring the tying goal in the second half. The club expressed support for Leroux’s decision to prioritize her mental health, acknowledging the importance of player well-being. The tie with the Wave was seen as a positive start to what President Julie Uhrman called “a new chapter” or what sporting director Mark Parsons dubbed “Angel City 2.0.” The team’s performance demonstrated resilience and potential, with younger players like Thompson and Kennedy Fuller making significant contributions. Moving forward, Angel City looks to build on this performance and navigate the challenges of the upcoming season without key players like Leroux, aiming to continue its progress and establish itself as a force in the NWSL.
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