Angel City FC Looks Primed for NWSL Breakthrough

After uneven start, LA club could be a surprise contender in 2026 season

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:09am

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After joining the NWSL in 2022, Angel City FC has had an uneven trajectory, reaching the playoffs once but struggling in subsequent seasons. However, as the 2026 season approaches, the team appears poised for a potential breakthrough, with a more balanced roster, a full preseason under head coach Alex Straus, and young talents like Giselle Thompson and Riley Tiernan primed to take the next step in their development.

Why it matters

Angel City FC has been one of the most visible new projects in women's soccer, combining Hollywood investment, record attendances, and a community-focused model. But the team's on-field performance has not yet matched its off-field success. A potential breakthrough this season could help the club solidify its status as a contender and continue to drive interest and growth in the NWSL.

The details

Angel City FC has added key pieces in the offseason, including midfielders Ary Borges and Hina Sugita, who should provide more composure and attacking creativity. The expected return of forward Jun Endo from injury also boosts the team's offensive firepower. Defensively, the additions of Emily Sams, Sarah Gorden, and Savy King give head coach Alex Straus more flexibility to adjust his tactical approach. Additionally, young talents like Giselle Thompson and Riley Tiernan are poised to take the next step in their development, having gained valuable experience in their first seasons.

  • Angel City FC joined the NWSL in 2022.
  • The team reached the playoffs in 2023, finishing fifth.
  • In the following seasons, Angel City slipped down the table.
  • The 2026 NWSL season is set to begin in the coming weeks.

The players

Alex Straus

Head coach of Angel City FC, who has emphasized the importance of building a clear identity and focusing on performances rather than just results.

Giselle Thompson

A young defender for Angel City FC who has shown flashes of pace and instinct, and is expected to continue developing in her second professional season.

Riley Tiernan

A young forward for Angel City FC who is entering her sophomore season in the NWSL, and could benefit from the improved talent around her to become a more dominant presence around the goal.

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What they’re saying

“A surprise team might be LA for me.”

— Ali Krieger, Former U.S. national team player and analyst (Yahoo Sports)

“I think Angel City is the most complete team that we've seen for them since the start of the organization.”

— Lori Lindsey, Former U.S. national team player and analyst (Yahoo Sports)

“If you focus on the outcome, you forget about the journey. If you get the performances right, the outcome will take care of itself.”

— Alex Straus, Head coach, Angel City FC (Yahoo Sports)

“I feel like our team changed a lot. There were so many people leaving, so many people coming in. But learning how to get through that and stick together and support each other through the whole process was the biggest thing.”

— Giselle Thompson, Defender, Angel City FC (Yahoo Sports)

“I think this year we're really focusing on ourselves and finding our flow. With the way we're playing right now, I definitely see us making the playoffs and going really far.”

— Giselle Thompson, Defender, Angel City FC (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The 2026 NWSL season is set to begin in the coming weeks, with Angel City FC looking to build on their promising preseason and make a push for the playoffs.

The takeaway

After an uneven start since joining the NWSL in 2022, Angel City FC appears poised for a potential breakthrough in the 2026 season. With a more balanced roster, a full preseason under head coach Alex Straus, and young talents like Giselle Thompson and Riley Tiernan primed to take the next step, the team could emerge as a surprise contender in the highly competitive NWSL.