NWSL players and fans are still waiting on the 2023 schedule
The NWSL season begins March 25.
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Angel City FC earned the club’s first franchise win Sunday, downing the Portland Thorns 1-0 in the final match of Challenge Cup group play.
Portland’s loss eliminated the Thorns from contention. Instead, the Washington Spirit advance to the tournament semifinals as the top second-place team among the three groups.
On the hunt for another 🏆@WashSpirit, see you in the semis 👏 pic.twitter.com/zwlHXAMfPl
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 25, 2022
The Thorns faced a substantial challenge heading into the match, entering the contest without coach Rhian Wilkinson and players Sam Coffey, Meaghan Nally, Taylor Porter, Sophia Smith and Hina Sugita due to COVID-19 protocol.
Angel City started on the front foot, with Christen Press converting from the spot to put her side up 1-0 in the 29th minute.
G⚽⚽⚽⚽AL! @ChristenPress scores from the spot and takes the lead against @ThornsFC!@weareangelcity | #AngelCityFC pic.twitter.com/O90KTcLI1B
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 25, 2022
The lone goal was enough to hold off the Thorns for the remainder of the match, securing the Los-Angeles-based expansion club its first-ever victory.
The NWSL season begins March 25.
Press has been rehabbing an ACL injury since June.
She could return for the team's April camp.
Vlatko Andonovski also provided updates on Christen Press and others.