LOS ANGELES- Sunday's match against the Portland Thorns ended Angel City's chances at a spot in the playoffs, thanks to a 2-0 loss. But the story of the night was the tearful goodbyes of Christen Press and Ali Riley, two major players in the club's history.
The loss is a tough blow to the club, as this is their third year without making a playoff match. Of its four seasons played, Angel City has made one playoff appearance. It wasn't the most dynamic performance the club had given, but players like Gisele Thompson, Evelyn Shores and Jun Endo helped create four shots on target and break past Portland's attack.
Portland opened the scoring in the 23rd minute. Midfielder Olivia Moultrie received a pass from forward Alexa Spaanstra just outside the 18, drove forward a few steps, and sent the ball to the back of the net.
In the 36th minute, Thompson created a chance. Midfielder Miyabi Moriya and forward Riley Tiernan combined outside the penalty area, with Tiernan sending a lateral pass to Thompson. The defender dribbled to the edge of the box, cut the ball to her left foot, and put a strike on target, which goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold leapt to tip over the bar with one hand.
In the 60th minute, Moultrie's successful penalty kick doubled the score, drawn a few minutes before by ACFC defender Sara Doorsoun.In the 63rd minute, Angel City had another chance when Moriya found forward Christen Press near the penalty spot with her back to goal. Press turned her defender and put a shot on target, but Arnold saved.
While Olivia Moultrie's brace added a loss to ACFC's record, the club would have been eliminated regardless of the outcome against the Thorns. Midway through the first half of Angel City's game, Racing Louisville tied the Houston Dash. The draw put Louisville at 37 points on the table, which is higher than the total of possible points Angel City could accumulate in its last two games, effectively removing Los Angeles from playoff contention.
The game marked the final home game for Angel City originals Press and Riley, who were honored in a tear-filled ceremony after the match. Press and Riley both made their final home game appearances to a chorus of chants. The two grew up in Los Angeles and were given a hometown hero goodbye filled with cheers, claps, and tears as teammates, front office staff and parents spoke before presenting both players with framed jerseys.
In the 61st minute, Press checked in for the last time at home in front of 19,841 fans.
Press was the first player ever signed to Angel City in 2022 in a trade with Racing Louisville FC. While her ACL tear kept her off the pitch for more than two years, Press’s impact on the club and game as a whole is undeniable. She made her return in June of 2024.
"This sport has grown and blossomed in my 14 years as a professional," Press told the crowd during her retirement ceremony following the match. "This community and club marks all of the work my teammates (with the USWNT) and I did over a decade to fight for equity, progress and opportunity for the next generation.
"To the young people, when I was your age, I didn't get to come to games like this, and I hope in some small way, the work that we did allows you to dream your wildest dreams."
Late in the second half, the crowd began to chant "We want Ali Riley!" hoping to see their beloved captain make her final return to the pitch. In the 82nd minute, Riley checked in for the last home game of her career.
Riley, face stained with a teary smile, spoke to the crowd during her ceremony, surrounded by loved ones and former teammates, including Alyssa Thompson. She shared moments dear to her heart and acknowledged her history with Press. The two played collegiate soccer at Stanford University, spending the 2007 preseason as roommates. In a full-circle moment, they spent their final season at Angel City as travel roommates.
She ended her speech with a message to the city that raised her and the fans that supported her endlessly throughout her four years with ACFC.
"As I look around, all I can think is this truly is a city of angels. I feel so lucky to stand here surrounded by coaches from all different parts of my career...It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve this club, but I could have never done it without all of you, so thank you so much."
Riley reflected on the personal journey and difficult moments she faced this season. Earlier this year, Riley's parents' home was lost in the Palisades Fire, days before she got married.
"I think about the fire and we still had that hope that maybe the house didn't burn down," Riley said in a post-game interview. "I think that's only human is to just have hope and that's a way that I like to live. With my injury, I accepted that it was probably the end of my career, but my parents never stopped believing in me and they would ask me about training and it was hard but their unwavering belief helped me get there in the dark times. I couldn't have kept hope and determination if it wasn't for my family."
Since their inaugural season with the club in 2022, the two veterans have grown the game immensely, pushing for equal pay, better training, and awareness. "I'm grateful and hopeful to know that there are young people in this stadium and on my team who only know a club like this, a career like this and a beautiful life like this," said Riley.