Enemy Scouting Report - Angel City FC
(image via Angel City FC)
After back-to-back wins, the Houston Dash find themselves in second place in the NWSL and set to face current league leaders Angel City FC on Friday night.
Angel City has historically had the upper hand in this matchup. In eight meetings, they’ve won three and drawn four. The Dash’s lone victory came on the road at BMO Stadium, sealed by a last-minute winner from former ACFC defender Paige Nielsen.
Angel City enters this match in strong form, scoring seven goals across their first two games while conceding just once. This is a side not to be taken lightly.
Key Players
Gisele Thompson
The USWNT fullback is the face of this franchise and for all the right reasons. Her lightning-quick pace makes it easy for her to be involved in the attack and also get back to defend. What’s the scariest part? Her understanding of the game has increased, and it shows in positioning, passing, and scoring goals as a modern fullback.
Ary Borges
The all-around, box-to-box midfielder arrived in the offseason to address a key gap in Los Angeles’ midfield. Borges is a player capable of creating chances and is not afraid to finish them herself. She’s quickly proven to be a major reason why this Angel City side is so dangerous.
Sveindis Jónsdóttir
After a slow start last year, Jónsdóttir looks like a completely different player in 2026. Her impact in front of goal has been night and day in both scoring and creating chances. Whether it’s a full preseason with the squad or the new pieces around her, her level has clearly risen, highlighted by being named NWSL Player of the Week for Matchday Two.
Head Coach
Alexander Straus
Prior to joining Los Angeles, Straus spent three successful seasons at Bayern Munich, winning three league titles along with the DFB-Pokal and the Supercup. Although he arrived late last season and endured a difficult spell, winning just 28% of his matches and averaging 1.1 points per game, this year looks like a major turnaround. Angel City now appears to be a true contender, shifting from underdog status to one of the favorites for the NWSL Championship.
Last Match Staring XI (from fotmob.com)
Here’s how Angel City lined up for their last game, a 3-1 win over Bay FC.
2026 Roster
Goalkeepers: Hannah Seabert, Angelina Anderson, Faith Nguyen
Defenders: Savy King, Karsyn Cherry, Emily Sams, Sarah Gorden, Evelyn Shores, Gisele Thompson, Sophia Mattice
Midfielders: Hina Sugita, Ary Borges, Maiara Niehues, Nealy Martin, Carina Lageyre, Kennedy Fuller
Forwards: Sydney Leroux, Casey Phair, Claire Emslie, Jun Endo, Prisca Chilufya, Maithe Lopez, Sveindis Jonsdottir, Riley Tiernan, Rajanah Reed, Taylor Suarez
