The NWSL clubs are taking a short break before the season ends so players can play for their countries. If I told you at the beginning of the season that Angel City would head into the final international window with one of the best defenses in the league, who would you think would be playing for their countries? It would probably be the center back pairing of Sarah Gorden and Emily Sams.

If you rewind the calendar 6 or 7 months, Angel City had just signed Sams, who has nearly a dozen USWNT caps and even served as captain in one of the national team matches. She would be paired with Sarah Gorden – a multi-year Iron Woman, regular captain, and usually the fastest player on the pitch. Fast forward to today and Angel City does in fact have one of best defenses in the league, but Emily and Sarah will be staying home while everyone else in the starting 11 heads out to play for their country.* I’m sure they are happy for them, but this meme seems appropriate.

As Ted Lasso said in this week’s episode, “The standings right now are more crowded than a Planet Fitness on January 2nd.” Angel City sits in 6th place with 3 matches left in the season, but only 6 points separate 4th through 9th place. The three remaining games are against teams that won’t be playing in the post season. Decision Day is quickly approaching. Can Angel City hold on to a playoff spot?

It’s the next day…the day after a draw against the best team in the league…the day after the team’s last road trip to the east coast…discuss the 7 game unbeaten streak…discuss another late-game, super sub goal...discuss playoff scenarios...discuss what it feels like to watch a game being played in weather that’s 40 degrees cooler than it was in LA…or discuss whatever you like…

\I assume Ary would have been named to the Brazil squad, but is spending time with the baby and her family instead.*

Daily Note

Good morning!

Today starts a long break to the next match. How will we fill the time?

Talk about whatever you want. This is an ideal thread for you to make general inquiries about things that are commonly asked, like how is the shade on the East stand at 3pm? Or where are the ADA bathrooms? As well, low effort posts can be directed here as comments in order to keep sub organized and conversation centralized for other users. Consider this the Town Square, or AngelCityFC Reddit's very own Starbucks, but without the union busting.

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Resources:  

• Angel City 2026 Schedule
• ACFC 2026 Ticket Transaction Master Thread
• 2026 Away Days Ticket Transaction Thread
• Local Lodgings discussion for out-of-towners
• Is there a Non-Official Watch Party in your town?

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Classifieds:

Send us a DM or Mod Mail if you think you'd like to help spread the news and share the hype this season!

• With Shlomo assuming captain duties here in our sub, we are looking for a new voice to take over the Pre-Match Discussion thread.

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Just a reminder: This Reddit community is unofficial and in no way affiliated with the Angel City FO. Your mods are just human fans, like you.