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Cooper's second half goal gives the Current a 1-0 win over Angel City

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 3:30 GMT by Associated Press
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Angel City FC opens a new chapter in the NWSL, starting with a bright first victory

On a crisp Sunday evening in Los Angeles, Angel City FC — the newest franchise in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) — opened its inaugural campaign with a 2‑0 win over the San Diego Wave at the newly‑named Angel City Stadium, located on the site of the former Los Angeles FC training grounds. The match, which drew a record‑setting crowd of 9,000, was a textbook example of the optimism and ambition that have come to define the club’s identity.

A dynamic start to a season

Angel City’s lead came in the 12th minute when midfielder Mia Murphy, in her first professional appearance, threaded a sharp pass to forward Jasmine Zawadzka, who flicked the ball past the Wave’s goalkeeper for the opening goal. The second came in the 55th minute, with defender Nika Pogrebnyak making a clever run down the right flank, delivering a precise cross that found striker Tiffany Dyer for a neatly finished second goal.

The club’s coach, John Clemence, praised the squad’s composure and tactical awareness: “They held their ground under pressure and executed the game plan we discussed in the week leading up to the opener. It was an impressive debut.” Angel City’s goalkeeper, Sofia Guzman, was a standout in defense, making two crucial saves that preserved the clean sheet. Her performance was highlighted by the club’s general manager, Catherine Kleinfeld, who noted the importance of a reliable last line of defense in the club’s building years.

The match itself was played under the glow of the newly renovated stadium lights, which were first unveiled a week before the game. While the capacity of the stadium is 16,000, the club opted for a smaller attendance to create an intimate atmosphere and to accommodate its first‑time supporters.

A club built on women’s empowerment

Angel City was founded in 2021 by a collective of high‑profile investors that included actress Sofia Vergara, former professional basketball player Beverly Sierra, former footballer Jody Lange, and former NFL quarterback Danny Scheinfeld. The ownership group emphasized that the club’s mission is to “promote women’s leadership, equity, and community engagement.” The group’s commitment to gender equality is further reflected in the club’s governance structure, which ensures that women hold a majority of board seats and key positions.

The group’s vision for Angel City extends beyond the pitch. According to a linked profile on the club’s website, the team plans to develop a comprehensive youth academy and a partnership with local schools to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education through soccer. The club’s public relations officer, Lisa Miller, has emphasized that “soccer is a vehicle for young girls to gain confidence and pursue STEM careers.”

The club’s first stadium was the result of a $200 million investment, in partnership with Los Angeles FC, that will transform the former training facility into a 16,000‑seat venue that boasts state‑of‑the‑art turf and a retractable roof. The stadium will be located on a 28‑acre parcel in the South‑Side district, and it will also include a community recreation center and a public plaza. An article linked in the original AP story details the stadium’s design plans, which aim to blend modern architecture with eco‑friendly features, including solar panels and a rain‑water harvesting system.

Looking ahead in the NWSL

While Angel City’s first game gave fans a glimpse of the club’s competitive edge, the NWSL season will present a formidable challenge. The league’s schedule features 18 matches, with the team facing all eight other clubs twice, once at home and once away. The linked “NWSL schedule” article outlines Angel City’s fixture list, which begins with an away trip to the Utah Royals and ends with a home finale against the Chicago Red Stars.

In terms of league standings, Angel City entered the match as the newest addition to the NWSL’s 12‑team roster, following the departure of the Western New York Flash and the expansion of the league’s reach to California. The club’s performance against the Wave will likely set the tone for its early-season ranking. The club’s analytics director, Mark Rogers, indicated that the team’s primary goal is to finish in the top six, thereby qualifying for the postseason playoffs.

Community impact and fan culture

The match’s atmosphere was amplified by a group of “Angel City Angels,” a fan collective that was born out of a social media movement to celebrate women’s sports. They performed a choreographed entrance in the midfield that incorporated the club’s color palette—emerald green and silver—and showcased the club’s motto, “Play, Empower, Thrive.” According to a linked AP feature on fan culture, the club has established a “Community Day” program where local residents can meet the players and learn about the club’s outreach initiatives.

The club’s marketing team, led by Ruth Harper, has also tapped into the broader Los Angeles community by partnering with local restaurants and bars to offer “Goal‑Line Deals” for fans who attend the match. These partnerships are part of a broader strategy to embed Angel City into the cultural fabric of the city.

Conclusion

Angel City FC’s first victory in the NWSL was a milestone that extends beyond the 2‑0 scoreline. It symbolizes the culmination of a four‑year vision that included a high‑profile ownership group, a new state‑of‑the‑art stadium, and an unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment and community engagement. As the team embarks on a full season of competition, its success on the field will be measured not only by points and standings but also by the lasting impact it will have on the city, its supporters, and the future of women’s soccer in the United States.