Angel City vs Washington Spirit will be playing at BMO Stadium in what should be an exciting clash between two teams on very different paths this season. The home side sits in 11th place with 17 points from 20 games, battling to avoid a bottom-three finish, while Washington comfortably holds 2nd place with 41 points from 19 matches, solidly positioned as serious title contenders.
This fixture carries added emotional weight for Angel City, who will be playing their first home match since the shocking departure of star forward Alyssa Thompson to Chelsea FC in a record-breaking NWSL transfer just two weeks ago. The 20-year-old’s exit has left a significant void in both the team’s attacking output and the hearts of Los Angeles supporters.
The impact of Thompson’s departure cannot be overstated for Angel City. The former No. 1 overall draft pick was the club’s second-leading scorer with 6 goals this season and had been instrumental in many of their most memorable moments. Her absence was immediately felt in their recent matches, with the team struggling to create consistent attacking threats.
NWSL Match Preview – Angel City vs Washington Spirit team news, H2H, lineups, and prediction
Angel City’s season has been rough, with 5 wins, 5 draws, and 9 losses in 17 matches, placing them 10th and only three points clear of the playoff elimination zone. Their recent form is particularly concerning, as they have managed just one win in their last six NWSL games.
The statistical picture is equally troubling. Angel City averages just 1.29 goals per match while conceding 1.59 goals, resulting in a negative goal difference of -5. Their 29% win rate overall drops to just 22% in away matches, highlighting their struggles on the road.
There are some encouraging signs. Angel City has shown more resilience at home, boasting a 38% win rate at BMO Stadium and achieving two clean sheets in eight home matches. They also maintain solid possession stats of 54% at home, indicating their ability to control games in familiar territory.
- Date: Thursday, September 18, 2025
- Time: 22:30 PDT / 01:30 UTC (Friday)
- Venue: BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, California
- Competition: National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) 2025 Season
- Standing Position –
- Angel City – 11th
- Washington Spirit –
Angel City vs Washington Spirit Team News
Washington Spirit have established themselves as one of the NWSL’s elite teams this season, combining defensive solidity with explosive attacking play. Their 10-4-5 record represents the second-best points total in the league, with only Kansas City Current ahead of them in the standings.
The Spirit’s recent form has been exceptional. They are currently unbeaten in 7 consecutive matches, including impressive victories and draws against top-level opposition. This run includes their recent 2-0 victory over Seattle Reign, where Trinity Rodman scored both goals in a dominant performance.
Trinity Rodman’s return to full fitness has been the catalyst for Washington’s excellent form. The 23-year-old USWNT star played her first full 90 minutes of the season against Seattle, capping off her recovery from a lengthy injury layoff with a brilliant brace. Her partnership with Leicy Santos has been particularly effective, with Santos providing 2 assists in recent matches.
Angel City vs Washington Spirit Head-to-Head Dominance
The historical record heavily favors the Washington Spirit, who have dominated this fixture since Angel City’s inception. In 7 previous meetings, Washington has secured 4 victories compared to Angel City’s 3 wins and no draws.
The goal statistics reveal Washington’s superiority, with the Spirit outscoring Angel City 13-11 across all encounters. More tellingly, Washington has won 4 of the last 5 meetings, including a memorable 4-3 victory in May 2025 that featured the first sister-to-sister goal in NWSL history when Alyssa Thompson assisted Gisele Thompson.
| Total Meetings | Angel City Wins | Washington Wins | Draws | Angel City Goals | Washington Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 11 | 13 |
Washington’s superior form when visiting BMO Stadium is particularly noteworthy, with the Spirit demonstrating their ability to perform well in hostile environments.
Key Player Battles
Trinity Rodman vs Angel City Defense
Rodman’s return to peak form has been the story of Washington’s recent success. Her 2 goals in 19 appearances this season understates her influence, as she missed significant time through injury. With her fitness now restored, Rodman represents Washington’s biggest threat with her pace, movement, and clinical finishing.
Angel City’s defense has struggled throughout the season, conceding 1.63 goals per match at home, making them vulnerable to Rodman’s direct running and intelligent movement. The battle between Rodman and Angel City’s backline could determine the match outcome.
Gisele Thompson’s Emotional Return
With Alyssa Thompson now at Chelsea, her younger sister Gisele Thompson carries additional responsibility for Angel City’s attacking output. The siblings’ departure has left Angel City needing new sources of creativity and goals. Gisele’s performance against her sister’s former USWNT teammate Rodman will be closely watched.
Croix Bethune’s Playmaking
Washington’s Croix Bethune has emerged as a crucial creative force, providing assists and goals at key moments. Her ability to find space between lines and deliver precise passes could unlock Angel City’s defensive structure. The young midfielder’s energy and technical ability give Washington another dimension in its attacking play.
Angel City vs Washington Spirit Tactical Considerations
Angel City’s Adaptation
Without Thompson’s pace and directness, Angel City must find new ways to threaten opposition defenses. The team’s 51% average possession suggests they prefer to build attacks patiently, but their 29% failed-to-score rate indicates finishing remains a significant problem.
Head coach Alex Straus faces the challenge of replacing Thompson’s 15 goals and 11 assists from her 62 regular-season appearances. The team’s tactical approach may need to become more collective, relying on improved movement and combination play rather than individual brilliance.
Washington’s Counter-Pressing
The Spirit’s success has been built on aggressive pressing and quick transitions. Their ability to force turnovers high up the pitch and immediately threaten goal gives them a significant advantage over teams like Angel City who struggle with ball security.
Rodman’s fitness to play 90 minutes gives Washington the luxury of maintaining intense pressure throughout matches. This could prove decisive against Angel City, who have shown vulnerability when pressed aggressively.
Angel City vs Washington Spirit Match Prediction
Washington’s superior form, head-to-head record, and individual quality make them overwhelming favorites. Several factors support this assessment:
- Recent form: Washington unbeaten in 7, Angel City struggling for consistency
- Head-to-head dominance: 4 wins from last 5 meetings for Washington
- Individual quality: Rodman’s return to fitness vs Angel City’s attacking void
- Defensive stability: Washington’s 7 clean sheets vs Angel City’s -5 goal difference
However, Angel City’s home support and desperate need for points could create an upset opportunity. The emotional aspect of playing without Thompson might galvanize the team and supporters.
Expected Result: Angel City FC 1-3 Washington Spirit
Washington’s attacking quality and defensive organization should prove too much for Angel City, despite the home advantage. Expect Rodman to continue her excellent form with at least one goal contribution.
How to Watch Angel City vs Washington Spirit – Stream NWSL Live, TV Channel
- United States: CBS Sports Network / Paramount+
- International: NWSL+ (selected regions)
- Local Coverage: Angel City FC official streaming partners
Kick-off Time by Region:
- Pacific Time: 22:30 PDT (Local)
- Eastern Time: 01:30 EDT (Friday)
- Central Time: 00:30 CDT (Friday)
- United Kingdom: 06:30 BST (Friday)
This fixture represents a crucial moment in Angel City’s season as they attempt to navigate life without their former star while facing one of the league’s best teams in the Washington Spirit