Alyssa Thompson and Angel City FC can’t outlast surging Seattle in loss
Ji So-Yun scored the go-ahead goal in first-half stoppage time and the Seattle Reign held off Angel City 3-2 on Friday night for their third straight victory.
Seattle (5-9-5) is undefeated in its last seven games as it makes a push for a postseason berth with seven games remaining.
Alyssa Thompson scored in the eighth minute to give Angel City (6-10-3) the early lead. It was the 19-year-old’s fourth goal in three games.
The team said the transaction lifts the club’s value to $250 million, making it the most valuable franchise in women’s pro sports history.
The Reign were hurt when veteran Jess Fishlock had to leave the match because of an injury in the 16th minute. She was replaced by Angharad James.
Sofia Huerta evened the score at 1-1 when she converted a penalty in the 31st minute. The penalty was awarded when Jordyn Huitema was fouled in the box.
Ji’s goal put the Reign in front 2-1 before the break and Tziarra King extended the lead with another in the 58th.
Angel City appeared to score twice in the second half but both goals were disallowed. Sydney Leroux broke through for Angel City with a goal in stoppage time.
Reign coach Laura Harvey returned to the team after she was hospitalized last week with an illness.
Actress Jane Fonda was among the fans on hand for the match at BMO Stadium.
Alex Morgan is one of the greatest U.S. soccer players, but her legacy will be the scores of girls she inspired to play and their chances to get paid.
