LOS ANGELES The 29th of April seems to be a good date in Banc of California Stadium lore.
The LAFC expansion team of Major League Soccer defeated the Seattle Sounders on that day in 2018. Four years later, Banc was ready for another home match. It was Angel City FC, a new National Womens Soccer League team, that won a 2-1 win over North Carolina Courage.
What was it that made Friday night so special It began at LAFC home matches over many years, where the raucous North End fans’ section featured a banner with a clear message: Bring NWSL into LA.
The idea ignited a movement that has now become a reality. The banner was once located in the same section. Members of the six official Angel City supporter organizations are now living there. They were busy chanting, playing the drums, and orchestrating Friday’s atmosphere for the packed crowd.
22,000 people gathered in Los Angeles on Friday night to support a women’s soccer team.
It was incredible. Freya Coombe, head coach, said that everything we hoped the club would deliver was delivered. The energy, enthusiasm and support that the crowd gave to the players and the coaching staff was palpable throughout the night.
It’s the best environment I have ever coached in.
Angel City could become the most-attended NWSL club if it can keep up the enthusiasm. This honor was held by the Portland Thorns in 2021. More than 14,000 fans on average.
Women’s soccer is growing in popularity all around the globe. Barcelona holds the world attendance record at an official match. Do it twice In the last month.
Take a look at the stadium Friday to see World Cup legends Mia Hamm, Abby Wambach (both part Angel City’s celebrity-packed owner group), and current professional soccer players. Actresses, celebritiesYou can find more. It was Los Angeles at its best.
Los Angeles wasn’t slow to celebrate. After just three minutes, Vanessa Gilles scored the franchise’s first official goal.
Jun Endo, the man who assisted the opener by a filthy cross and move, found the backside of the net 10 min later and doubled his score. North Carolina finally got on the scoreboard in the second period and was threatening to equalize, but Angel City held firm.
They were not going to let the perfect evening end in a bad way.
Dani Weatherholt, ACFC’s midfielder, said that his teammates were shrieking and crying of joy. It was a moment that meant the world. This organization is more than a sport, and that’s when it felt bigger than the game.
Angel City has implemented a 10% sponsorship model where the club redirects a portion of all sponsorships back into the community. The club also supports grassroots outreach to encourage women to get involved at all levels.
Angel City is proud of everything we do. We hope that other people will see, replicate, build upon, and improve on what we do. It’s something I believe will help build the culture in the NWSL.
Davila felt overwhelmed as she walked into the stadium on Friday.
Postgame, the emotions were the same. Los Angeles native Captain Ali Riley was visibly moved after the match. Although she’s a skilled soccer player, it was a joy to finally be able to play in her home town.
12 years ago, I waited for this moment. I had hoped to be drafted to the (now-defunct L.A. Sol), but the team folded before I was able to, she said. I have traveled all over the globe and it was a privilege to be there with my parents to witness this game. I believe we proved that anything is possible when it comes to women’s sports.
I went to the 99 [Womens]Riley said that the World Cup final was what sparked this idea. It was a surprise, but it set me up for a career playing soccer on a similar stage. That’s why it’s so important for us all to be here, and for those little girls who see that, just that level of visibility and how we play on the field with people from different backgrounds, skin colors, and experiences is so important.
The makeup of the team reflected the crowd. There were many families, young children and older adults in the seats.
Riley stated that women’s soccer is a city-wide issue.
The banner stated that the NWSL has been brought into L.A. and that L.A. can bring the NWSL to L.A. is just as important.