The defeat is a hard blow for the club, since this is the third year without reaching a playoff game. Of their four seasons played, Angel City has made one playoff appearance. It wasn’t the most dynamic performance the club has ever given, but players like Gisele Thompson, Evelyn Shores and Jun Endo helped create four shots on goal and outlast Portland’s attack.
Portland opened the scoring in the 23rd minute. Midfielder Olivia Moultrie received a pass from forward 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 and Tiernan sent a lateral pass to Thompson. The defender dribbled to the edge of the area, cut the ball with her left foot and shot at the goal, which goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold jumped to knock down the crossbar with one hand.
In the 60th minute, a successful Moultrie penalty kick doubled the score, tied a few minutes earlier by ACFC defender Sara Doorsoun. In the 63rd minute, Angel City had another chance when Moriya found forward Christen Press near the penalty spot with her back to the goal. Press turned his defender and shot at goal, but Arnold made the save.
While Olivia Moultrie’s brace added one defeat to ACFC’s record, 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 put Louisville with 37 points on the board, which is higher than the possible point total Angel City could accumulate in its final two games, effectively eliminating Los Angeles from playoff contention.
A farewell in the hometown
The game marked the final home game for Angel City natives Press and Riley, who were honored in a tearful postgame ceremony. Press and Riley made their final appearances at home to a chorus of chants. The two grew up in Los Angeles and received a hometown hero’s farewell filled with cheers, applause and tears as their teammates, front office staff and parents spoke before presenting both players with framed jerseys.
In the 61st minute, Press performed for the last time at home in front of 19,841 fans.
Press was the first player signed by Angel City in 2022 in a trade with Racing Louisville FC. While her torn ACL kept her off the field for more than two years, Press’s impact on the club and the game as a whole is undeniable. He returned in June 2024.
“This sport has grown and flourished in my 14 years as a professional,” Press told the crowd during his retirement ceremony after the game. “This community and club marks all the work my teammates (with the USWNT) and I did for more than a decade to fight for equity, progress and opportunities for the next generation.
“For the young people, when I was your age, I couldn’t go to games like this, and I hope that, in some way, the work we did allows 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 return to the field for the last time. In the 82nd minute, Riley checked in for the final home game of his career.
Riley, her face stained with a tearful smile, spoke to the crowd during her ceremony, surrounded by her loved ones and former teammates, including Alyssa Thompson. He shared moments dear to his heart and acknowledged his story to the press. The two played college football at Stanford University and spent the 2007 preseason as roommates. In a coming-of-circle moment, they spent their final season in Angel City as traveling roommates.
She ended her speech with a message to the city that lifted her up and the fans who supported her tirelessly during her four years with ACFC.
“When I look around, all I can think is that this truly is a city of angels. I feel very lucky to be here surrounded by coaches from all parts 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 he faced this season. Earlier this year, Riley’s parents’ home was lost in the Palisades Fire, days before she was to get married.
“I think back to the fire and we were still hoping that maybe the house wouldn’t burn down,” Riley said in a postgame interview. “I think the only human thing is 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 asked me about training and it was difficult, but their unwavering faith helped me get there in the dark times. I couldn’t have maintained hope and determination if it wasn’t for my family.”
Since their inaugural season with the club in 2022, the two veterans have grown the game enormously, pushing for equal pay, better training and awareness. “I’m 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 beautiful life like this,” Riley said.