As the National Women’s Soccer League is in full swing for the start of the 2025 NWSL regular season, both SoCal teams will kickoff the season with an electric rival match at BMO Stadium on Sunday, March 16 as Angel City FC hosts San Diego Wave FC.
Angel City FC will kickoff the 2025 NWSL season as they host SoCal rivals, San Diego Wave FC and … [+]
Making An Impact Following SoCal Fires
Following the devastating fires in Southern California this past January, Angel City FC launched their “Seats of Strength” initiative, which is a program dedicated to fans purchasing tickets to a home game at BMO Stadium for first responders and those impacted by the fires. As the two teams kickoff the start of the season, the Wave will also be joining their rivals in this effort off the pitch.
“It’s important to our Club that we use the power of this sport to bring people together, especially in times of hardship,” said San Diego’s Chief Impact Officer Shannon Mac Millan. “Uniting with Angel City to support the community is a meaningful way to honor those affected by the fires and to show appreciation to the first responders who have given so much to Southern California.”
Ahead of the kickoff, both teams will walk out wearing “LA Strong” t-shirts to show their support of fire relief efforts.
“We’ve seen unimaginable loss over the past few weeks. People have lost homes, livelihoods, and loved ones. And yet, in the face of tragedy, we’ve also seen strength, resilience, and an unwavering spirit,” said Angel City’s CEO and Co-Founder Julie Uhrman. “Seats of Strength is our way of giving back to those who have always been there for our community – our first responders, neighbors, and city,” “It’s an opportunity to come together, bring some joy and have some fun.”
New Coaches and Players From Both Clubs
Over the past three seasons since both clubs inaugural season in 2022, the all-time series record between the two sides is a 3-5-3 (wins, losses, draws). In their last meeting in August 2024, the Angel City recorded a 2-1 win while on the road.
Although the club went through a turbulent season following the firing of former Head Coach Casey Stoney, the club is now under the leadership of former Arsenal manager, Jonas Eidevall. The Wave also have 12 new player signings and include international players such as Adriana Leon, Favour Emmanuel, and Gia Corley.
“I think our biggest thing will be to execute all of the things we’ve worked on and to execute the game plan to the best of our ability and find out what’s working and what’s not,” Wave defender Kennedy Wesley told Forbes. “I think this is an awesome opportunity to see where we’re at as a team. I think it’s an exciting time, obviously we’ve had so much turnover and change and I think we can really turn this into the direction we want to go. With all of the new faces and opportunities, I think we have the chance to put this club in a positive trajectory.”
San Diego Wave FC midfielder Savannah McCaskill will reunite with her former team as Angel City FC … [+]
Angel City FC also has a new leader at the helm as Sam Laity, former Seattle Reign FC Assistant Coach and former Houston Dash coach is currently serving as the interim head coach for the club.
Former Head Coach Becki Tweed served as an assistant coach for a year and a half before being appointed as the interim head coach of Angel City in 2023. Eventually, Tweed finished out the 2024 season as the head coach but has since joined the Wave as an assistant coach and will begin her first season with the club.
“It’s been more about what our identity looks like and what we need to do to be successful,” said Interim Head Coach Sam Laity. “San Diego provides us an opportunity to see how good we can be. You expect to see a team that plays with a lot of intensity in and out of possession. If we can get those things right, then we’ll be in a great spot, not just for the San Diego game, but for the weeks and months after that. The players have been dialed in and everybody’s excited for the game.”
After spending three seasons in LA, goalkeeper Didi Haračić utilized her free agency to join the Wave. On the pitch, Angel City have signed eight new players in the offseason, ranging from three trialists to international defenders such as Alanna Kennedy and Miyabi Moriya.
Setting the Standard for 2025
Their last meeting included a 2-1 victory as forward Alyssa Thompson scored a brace on the road. However, with a mix of new faces and familiar crossovers on both sides, tomorrow’s game marks a new sense of excitement in the SoCal rivalry as both teams will look to make a strong start for the new season.
Angel City FC will host San Diego Wave FC at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. Kickoff will take place at 3:50pm PT/7:50pm ET and will air nationally on ESPN2.
