EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — When we last reported on the team, Angel City FC only had one player on their roster, national team star and local Palos Verdes product Christen Press. But in eight short weeks, there has been a flurry of activity at the club with multiple trades, acquisitions and two separate drafts.
We are here to catch you up on all the news and notes so that you are prepared to cheer on LA’s newest professional franchise.
ACFC acquires USWNT star and two time U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year Julie Ertz and 2021 NWSL Defensive Player of the Year nominee Sarah Gorden from the Chicago Red Stars in exchange for full roster protection in the 2022 NWSL Expansion Draft and an international player slot in 2022 and 2023.
“The level of experience and leadership that both Julie Ertz and Sarah Gorden bring to a team is incredible,” said ACFC Head Coach Freya Coombe. “Julie is such a known leader and competitor on top of being a rock in the middle of the field. Sarah is absolutely one of the league’s best defenders. She was excellent all season and stood out in the NWSL Championship. They are the caliber of player that we want on the field playing for Angel City.”
In exchange for $30,000 in allocation money and allocated player protection in the 2021 Expansion Draft, Angel City acquires the rights to Mary Alice Vignola, defender, Washington Spirit.
Vignola, who played college soccer at the University of Tennessee, has spent the last two years playing in Iceland.
ACFC acquires the rights to Simone Charley (forward, Portland Thorns), who was second for the Thorns in goals in 2021 with five in just 11 games played. From 2019 to 2021, Charley's 0.61 expected goals per 90 minutes was second most among NWSL players with 300-plus minutes.
"We know Simone was a fan favorite at Portland and is someone who cares deeply about the community," said ACFC Sporting Director Eni Aluko. "We're excited about building that connection with our fans and community at Angel City."
The team also acquires the rights to Tyler Lussi (forward, Portland Thorns), Didi Haračić (goalkeeper, NJ/NY Gotham FC) and Cari Roccaro (midfielder, North Carolina Courage). In return, each team receives full roster protection in the 2021 expansion draft.
In addition, the Thorns also receive $100K in allocation money and Angel City’s natural second-round pick in the upcoming college draft. Gotham FC also receives $50K in allocation money from ACFC.
The team also signs Katie Cousins from Thróttur Reykjavík of the Icelandic Úrvalsdeild Women's League. Cousins played with the recently signed Mary Alice Vignola in Iceland and at the University of Tennessee.
- Pick 1: Dani Weatherholt, midfielder, OL Reign
- Pick 3: Claire Emslie, forward, Orlando Pride
- Pick 5: Jasmyne Spencer, forward, Houston Dash
- Pick 7: Paige Nielsen, defender, Washington Spirit
ACFC acquires forward Savannah McCaskill, who has a half dozen caps for the national team, from Racing Louisville in exchange for the No. 6 overall pick in the 2021 college draft and $25K in allocation money.
Angel City also acquires goalkeeper Brittany Wilson from the Orlando Pride for a 2023 fourth-round pick and signs Canadian National Team defender Vanessa Gilles to a one-year deal with an option for an additional year.
"Vanessa has established herself as one of the leading central defenders globally, with notably inspirational performances at the 2020 Olympics in Japan this past summer that helped lead Canada to a gold medal," Aluko said. "Her commitment to gender equity, pay equity, and female empowerment are perfectly aligned with ACFC."
- Third Round: 28th pick overall: Hope Breslin, midfielder, University of Illinois
- Third Round: 36th pick overall: Lily Nabet, midfielder, Duke University
- Fourth Round: 39th pick overall: Miri Taylor, forward, Hofstra University
ACFC acquires Japanese national team forward Jun Endo, who has most recently played for Tokyo Verdy Beleza, to a two-year deal, with an option for the 2024 season.
"Jun can play multiple positions, which is very important at Angel City," Aluko said. "She plays with maturity beyond her years."
Allyson Swaby, a Jamaican national team player and defender from AS Roma, signs with ACFC for two years, with an option for the 2024 season.
"Allyson's athleticism, versatility, and relentless desire to improve her game are qualities that really set her apart," Aluko said. "Her leadership experience with Jamaica will be a welcomed asset to ACFC."
ACFC officially signs DiDi Haračić, Paige Nielsen and Hope Breslin.
Haračić's contract is for two years and Nielsen and Breslin's are for one year, with an option for an additional year.
Goalkeeper: Didi Haračić
Defenders: Sarah Gorden, Vanessa Gilles, Paige Nielsen, Mary Alice Vignola
Midfielders: Dani Weatherholt, Julie Ertz, Cari Roccaro
Forwards: Simone Charley, Christen Press, Claire Emslie
- Preseason camp begins: February 1
- NWSL Challenge Cup: March 19-May 7
- Regular season: TBD
- NWSL Championship: October 28
Trade details and statistics provided by: angelcity.com, justwomenssports.com, angelsonparade.com, nwslsoccer.com and cbssports.com
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