Angel City say tearful goodbye to Press, Riley and playoff contention

LOS ANGELES — Sunday’s game against the Portland Thorns ended Angel City’s chances of making the playoffs with a 2-0 loss. But the story of the evening was the tearful farewells of Christen Press and Ali Riley, two major players in the club’s history.

This loss is a big blow for the club, as it is their third year without participating in a playoff game. In its four seasons played, Angel City has made one appearance in the playoffs. It wasn’t the most dynamic performance the club has given, but players like Gisele Thompson, Evelyn Shores and Jun Endo helped create four shots on target and outrun Portland’s attack.

Portland opened the scoring in the 23rd minute. Midfielder Olivia Moultrie received a pass from striker Alexa Spaanstra just outside the 18, took a few steps forward and sent the ball into 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 sideways pass to Thompson. The defender dribbled to the edge of the box, cut the ball onto her left foot and put a shot on target, which goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold pounced on to knock over the bar with one hand.

In the 60th minute, Moultrie’s successful penalty doubled the score, taken just minutes before by ACFC defender Sara Doorsoun. In the 63rd minute, Angel City had another chance when Moriya found striker Christen Press near the penalty spot with his back to goal. Press turned his defender around and put a shot on target, but Arnold saved.

Although Olivia Moultrie’s brace added a defeat to ACFC’s tally, the club would have been eliminated regardless of the result against the Thorns. Midway through the first half of the Angel City game, Racing Louisville tied the Houston Dash. The tie puts Louisville at 37 points on the table, which is more than the possible point total Angel City could accumulate in its final two games, eliminating Los Angeles from the playoffs.

The game marked the final home game for Angel City natives Press and Riley, who were honored in a tear-filled ceremony after the game. Both Press and Riley made their final appearance at the home game to the sound of a chorus of chants. Both players grew up in Los Angeles and bid farewell to a hometown hero, filled with cheers, applause and tears as teammates, front office personnel and parents spoke before presenting both players with framed jerseys.

In the 61st minute, Press appeared for the last time at home in front of 19,841 fans.

Press was the first player to sign with Angel City in 2022 in a trade with Racing Louisville FC. Although her torn ACL kept her from playing for over two years, Press’s impact on the club and the game as a whole is undeniable. She returned in June 2024.

“This sport has grown and flourished during my 14 years as a professional,” Press told the crowd during her post-match retirement ceremony. “This community and this club mark all the work that my teammates (with the USWNT) and I have done for more than a decade to fight for equity, progress and opportunity for the next generation.

“For young people, when I was your age, I didn’t have the opportunity to come to games like this, and I hope that in one way or another, the work we’ve done will allow you to dream your wildest dreams.”

At the end of the second half, the crowd began chanting “We want Ali Riley!” » hoping to see their beloved captain make her final return to the field. In the 82nd minute, Riley came on for the final home game of her career.

Riley, her face stained with a tearful smile, addressed the crowd during her ceremony, surrounded by loved ones and former teammates, including Alyssa Thompson. She shared moments close to her heart and acknowledged her history with Press. Both played college football at Stanford University, spending the 2007 preseason as roommates. In a coming-full-circle moment, they spent their final season in Angel City as traveling roommates.

She ended her speech with a message to the city that raised her and to the fans who have continually supported her throughout her four years at FCAC.

“Looking around me, all I can think is that this truly is a city of angels. I feel so lucky to be here surrounded by coaches from all areas of my career… It has been the honor of my life to serve this club, but I could never have done it without all of you, so thank you very much.”

Riley reflected on the personal journey and difficult times she faced this season. Earlier this year, Riley’s parents’ home was destroyed in the Palisades fire, days before her wedding.

“I think about the fire and we always had that hope that maybe the house wouldn’t have burned down,” Riley said in a postgame interview. “I think what’s human is just to have hope and that’s a way 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 difficult, but their unwavering belief helped me get through the dark times. I couldn’t have kept hope and determination without 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 am 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 life as good as this,” Riley said.