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Angel City FC secured a vital 3-1 victory over Seattle Reign FC on Wednesday, significantly boosting their chances of making the NWSL playoffs. This win marked the tenth of the season for Angel City, setting a new franchise record for the most wins in a single campaign.
Seattle Reign FC vs Angel City FC Comes Down to Record-Tying Goal
The match’s momentum was set early when Angel City’s standout forward Ally Sentnor converted a penalty in the 20th minute following a handball call inside the box. Sentnor’s goal was her second consecutive penalty score, underlining her reliability from the spot.
Shortly before halftime, Ary Borges made a notable return to the league just two weeks after giving birth, rising unmarked to head home a corner delivered by Evelyn Shores. This crucial goal extended Angel City’s lead and demonstrated the team’s resilience and depth.
Interim head coach Leif Smerud praised the squad’s performance, highlighting the competitive spirit that now defines the team. This attitude has been instrumental in their recent surge.
Angel City’s bench also made an immediate impact late in the game. Rookie Taylor Suarez, coming on as a substitute, scored within 21 seconds—matching the record for the fastest goal by a substitute in NWSL history. Although Sofia Huerta pulled a goal back for Seattle during stoppage time, the outcome was already sealed.
With this victory, Angel City has strung together four consecutive wins, shifting the dynamics of the NWSL playoff race in their favor as the season nears its conclusion. The team now sits just one point behind Seattle in the standings, positioning themselves strongly for the final stretch of the campaign.
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