Mexico National Team and Angel City FC make history at Banc Of California Stadium
Angel City FC and the Mexico Women’s National Soccer Team made history at the Banc of California Stadium. Photo by Nick Koza/TGSportstv1.
LOS ANGELES, CA - Copa Angelina was a match many had highlighted on their calendars, and despite a scorching in Los Angeles, thousands crowded Banc of California Stadium to see Angel City FC play the Mexican National Team in a historic friendly match. NWSL and Liga MX Femenil/Mexico National started a promising partnership with the match.
Like against Tigres UANL, this match was more about the occasion than the outcome. More significantly, today opened the floodgates to a Women's Club World Cup, which many, including us, think will lead to endless possibilities. An opportunity to compare the world's greatest teams. Unfortunately, that's still a ways off, but tonight's agenda was a terrific start.
Despite the effort, neither team scored in the first half. Both sides had many close looks that were saved by good goalkeeping or excellent defense. Always perfect. Unlike when Tigres visited The Banc, many felt torn. Angel City and Mexico chances were applauded. Green swarmed the stadium, as chants of "Mexico" rang out. A family barbecue with a pick-up game was like this. We all have our preferences, but the most important thing is having fun and being healthy.
It was fun to witness a divided crowd progressively convert Angel City into tourists in their own stadium in the second half. The first goal of the night was an unfortunate own goal in the 70th minute. Brittany Isenhour scored an own goal on a free kick after making many amazing saves.
Mexico Women’s National Soccer Team celebrating their 2-0 win over the Angel City FC at Banc of California Stadium. Photo by Nick Koza/TGSportstv1.
The first Copa Angelina goal was heartbreaking, but that's sports. Mexico doubled their advantage late after the first, scoring past Isenhour.
Mexico won the first Copa Angelina after the final whistle. Given ACFC's struggles this season and Mexico's desire to make a statement and return to winning ways following huge Federation reforms, no surprise. As said, tonight wasn't about the outcome.
Tonight was about reaffirming women's soccer's future. Angel City and LA proved again that if you bring it, everyone will come with 17,721 in attendance on Labor Day in Los Angeles under the worst heatwave in recent history. As more NWSL teams host international friendly, Copa Angelina 2023 will continue to expand. ACFC is still in the NWSL playoff race, thus this season is far from done. Next weekend, NWSL regular season action takes them to Houston Dash. We'll have more to say about tonight's spectacular and successful night for the Los Angeles expansion club, despite the defeat.