Angel City FC is back at home, ready to celebrate Mother’s Day Weekend with a significant matchup against the Utah Royals at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. Following a thrilling 4-3 victory against the Washington Spirit, where rookie Riley Tiernan scored twice, including a dramatic stoppage-time winner, Angel City aims to continue their positive momentum as they face a struggling Royals squad.
Kickoff for this exciting NWSL clash is set for 7:30 PM PT on Friday, May 9, 2025. The first 10,000 fans to arrive at the stadium will receive free ACFC capes, adding to the festive atmosphere of SuperHero Night. With the team’s recent form, excitement is in the air as fans hope for another exhilarating performance.
The matchup marks just the third meeting between Angel City and the Utah Royals, with the latter yet to secure a victory against Los Angeles. As it stands, the Royals are tied with the Chicago Stars for the lowest points in the league, having won only one of their last five matches. Their lone victory came in a narrow 1-0 win over the Stars, and they have struggled to find the back of the net, scoring just once in their last five outings.
Angel City, on the other hand, has been on an upward trajectory, winning three of their last five matches. The team’s recent success can be attributed to the standout performances of rookie Riley Tiernan, who has scored in four of those five matches, totaling five goals. Her contributions have been crucial as the team looks to maintain their position near the postseason line.
While Angel City is riding high, the Royals are searching for answers. They will need their key players, including rising star Ally Sentnor and veteran playmaker Claudia Zornoza, to step up if they hope to challenge the home side. Unfortunately for Utah, Zornoza is sidelined with a lower leg injury, further complicating their efforts as they seek to find their rhythm.
In addition to Zornoza’s absence, the Royals are also dealing with multiple injury concerns. Olivia Griffitts is on maternity leave, while Cloe Lacasse, Tatumn Milazzo, and Alex Loera are all recovering from ACL injuries. Paige Monaghan (foot), Mina Tanaka (upper leg), and Kaleigh Riehl (lower leg) missed the previous match but may be available for this weekend’s clash.
Angel City FC is nearly back to full strength, with only a few players still out. Jun Endo (knee) and captain Ali Riley (upper leg) continue their long-term recoveries, while Sydney Leroux remains on mental health leave. However, Macey Hodge is expected to return after missing the last fixture, which could provide an additional boost to the team’s attacking options.
As the teams prepare for the match, the stakes are high for both sides. Angel City is looking to capitalize on their current form and secure another victory to strengthen their playoff position. Meanwhile, the Utah Royals are desperate for points as they aim to climb out of the league’s basement.
Historically, the matchups between these two teams have been closely contested, and with both sides eager for a strong performance, fans can expect an entertaining evening of soccer. Will Angel City continue their winning ways, or can the Royals pull off an upset? The tension is palpable as the clock ticks down to kickoff.
Fans can catch the game live on Paramount+ for U.S. viewers and NWSL+ for international audiences. Radio broadcasts will also be available via iHeartRadio, with Spanish-language coverage on AM980 KFWB. As the teams take the field, the atmosphere at BMO Stadium is sure to be electric, with supporters rallying behind their squads.
With the arrival of coach Alexander Straus on the horizon, the Angel City players are looking to keep the momentum going as they approach the midpoint of the season. The team is focused on building confidence and cohesion as they set their sights on the postseason. The upcoming match against the Royals will be pivotal in determining their trajectory moving forward.
As the sun sets over Los Angeles, the excitement builds for this Mother’s Day Weekend showdown. Will Angel City FC maintain their winning streak, or will the Utah Royals rise to the occasion and secure a much-needed victory? One thing is for sure: the action is set to be thrilling, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
