2022 - Angel City FC Inaugural NWSL Season

Angel City FC Inaugural NWSL Season and BMO Stadium Debut

The 2022 Angel City FC Inaugural NWSL Season was a landmark moment for professional soccer, proving that a mission-led expansion team could dominate both the headlines and the box office. From the first whistle at a packed BMO Stadium to the grit shown on the pitch, the club’s first year of competitive play set a new standard for the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

On April 29, 2022, the club officially began its home campaign in front of a sold-out crowd of 22,000 fans at BMO Stadium (then known as Banc of California Stadium). The atmosphere was electric as Angel City defeated the North Carolina Courage 2-1. This match wasn’t just a win; it was a statement that Los Angeles was ready to embrace women’s professional soccer as a premier entertainment and sporting event.

On-Field Performance and Star Power

Led by head coach Freya Coombe, the team showcased a blend of veteran leadership and international flair.

Top Scorer: Midfielder Savannah McCaskill emerged as a key offensive threat, leading the team with 7 goals across all competitions.

The Christen Press Factor: The club’s first major signing, Christen Press, provided early magic with 2 goals before a devastating ACL injury in June sidelined her for the remainder of the season.

Defensive Grit: Captain Ali Riley and defender Megan Reid anchored a backline that helped the team finish with a respectable 8-5-9 record.

Leading the League in Attendance

While the team narrowly missed the playoffs, finishing in 8th place, their commercial success was undeniable. ACFC finished the 2022 inaugural season with a league-leading average attendance of over 19,000 fans per game. This figures dwarfed many established clubs and even surpassed the attendance of several Major League Baseball and MLS teams, proving the massive market viability of the ACFC brand.