Angel City FC gets own goal to defeat Kansas City

LOS ANGELES » Christen Press draws a lot of attention from the opposing defenses.

That was the case Saturday against the Kansas City Current as the forward drew double-team coverage, but in the 69th minute, she made her presence known.

Press tracked down a long ball from the wing from Savannah McCaskill and before the ball ran over the line and out, Press slid to trap the ball, then regained composure enough to cross it, sending it off of Current defender Taylor Leach and into the goal.

It goes into the books as an own goal, but Angel City FC doesn’t care because it gave the club a 1-0 win in front of 18,514 at Banc of California Stadium.

The win improves Angel City’s record to 3-1 and moves the club to nine

Up next: Gotham FC at Angel City FC, May 29, 5 p.m., Paramount+

points in the league standings.

Angel City nearly had a second goal in the 78 minute but Vanessa Gilles’ header was kept out by the quick feet and hands of Kansas City goalkeeper Adriana Franch.

In the end, you can chalk up another shutout for Angel City. In four games this season, Angel City has allowed just two goals.

Angel City was coming off of last Sunday’s 1-0 win on the road over defending NWSL champion Washington Spirit.

Kansas City has had a tough start to the season and entered with four players out due to COVID-19 protocols and with U.S. Women’s national team players Sam Mewis and Lynn Williams still out with their injuries.

Despite that, the Current

nearly went up early on the home side.

The early stages were a bit nervy for the Angel City. On two consecutive trips down field, Kansas City earned a pair of dangerous free kicks. In the 10th minute, Alex Loera had a try from just outside the 18 that Angel City goalkeeper DiDi Haracic went up to tip over the ball.

Moments later, Savannah McCaskill committed a foul bringing down at Kansas City defender, giving away a free kick from approximately the same distance, but to the left. The attempt was deflected out by the wall.

Both teams managed just one shot on goal in the first half. Other than the first half, was one with a lot of fouls. The teams combined for 21 fouls in the first half. The second half was a bit cleaner as the teams were only called for seven fouls.

Angel City will return to action next Sunday at home against NJ/NY Gotham FC.