February 4, 2022 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Angel City FC News Release
Los Angeles – Today, Angel City Football Club (ACFC) hosted the first media availability of the 2022 preseason via Zoom with Head Coach Freya Coombe, defender Ali Riley, and goalkeeper DiDi Haračić. The roster of 25 players is training under Coombe, Assistant Coach Robert Udberg, and Goalkeeper Coach Daniel Ball as they prepare for their first season in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) beginning in Spring at Banc of California Stadium.
ACFC Head Coach Freya Coombe:
Opening Statement:
“The start to preseason has been incredible. We were really fortunate to have some of our owners come in and give a bit of an introduction to the players. Just hearing the story about how the club evolved, the players were very receptive to it and got an idea around the impact that this club is going to have in the community and in the wider space.
“Seeing all the player’s faces right there in the room was just amazing.
“I think the owners were overwhelmed as well with just the fact that it’s finally here, and it’s real. And it was a fantastic day and really good introductions, and then we went on and had a great training session.
“Meeting the players in person was just incredible. It was nice to finally meet in person after seeing Zoom screens, telephone calls, and things like that. Now it’s real. It’s very real. The ball is being kicked and seeing that first ball roll at training was unbelievable.”
On the preseason roster and the smaller size than other NWSL teams:
“We wanted to start preseason with a roster that looks a little bit like the roster that we’re going to have in the season. For us, it’s important that we don’t have a ton of people that we’ve offered contracts to and then trade away. We’ve been very consistent and we’ve told our players that we won’t be trading players out this season.
“With us being a new team, we wanted to provide a really strong environment for them where it wasn’t a case of we’ve got 40 people and then we’re whittling down that group. We wanted them to come in, start to form relationships, get to know each other, and harness the strength of that group and that unit to be able to move on and play through this season.”
On the importance of international players:
“We always love to have players that represent lots of different backgrounds and countries to be on the roster. Obviously, with the way that the international schedule has worked, we haven’t had all our internationals come in yet, whether it’s some that are coming in on visas, whether it’s some that are still playing internationally, and we lose some to the upcoming international window.
“I’m looking forward to when we get all our players together and in one spot. Then we can utilize all the different skills and skill sets from the different areas and leagues that people have been playing in and bring it into Angel City.”
ACFC Defender Ali Riley:
Opening Statement:
“To be in Los Angeles means so much to me and honestly it’s a dream come true because this hasn’t actually been possible. It’s a dream that I didn’t even know I could have.
“I was promised to be drafted to the LA Sol and then they drafted other players. Since then, when the team folded, there’s been all this talk about a team coming back to LA and for the team to actually be here and to be on this team and to represent this club, hearing the owners speak I identify with so much of what they said. I get goosebumps.
“This first week has been overwhelming in a good way because I am just so proud. I’m so happy. It’s hard to explain being able to be here with my family and represent the city. Something that is almost more important to me than football is making an impact in the community. I know that that is what this club wants to do. So I can’t wait to be a part of all these opportunities.”
On if there is pressure coming to this team:
“Of course when you hear the owners speak and hear how much this team means to the community, there’s pressure to do well, but it’s a kind of positive pressure that we’re lucky. To be in the situation, to be one of the first players to wear this uniform, to be out on the field, to build something.”
On being home:
“Having my family and my parents be able to watch me play week in and week out is the thing that I’m most excited about. They have been so supportive of me when I have been playing for New Zealand and traveling all over the world. Then being in Sweden, England, Germany, Orlando, I finally made my way back. I know it means a lot to them.”
ACFC Goalkeeper DiDi Haračić:
Opening Statement:
“It’s been a while in this league 10 years now. I’m so happy to be a part of this club because it is more than just soccer. They truly want what’s best for the players and the community.
“Overall, I’m just stoked. I’m ready to get going. I’m ready to tuck and roll. There’s not much to be said other than ‘Let’s get after it.”
On the first week of training:
“We’re all here for a reason. We thrive off pressure, and that’s part of the job. We have the opportunity to do something that’s potentially never been done.
“We’re all here, and we know what to expect. It’s just a matter of meshing well together. For the first week, I think that’s something we’ve done pretty well. All of us are just excited to see what happens when we actually get into a game scenario.”
On the connection between goalkeepers and defenders:
“The connection just happens naturally. This week, it’s already kind of happened. We’ve all clicked. I’m not worried at all. I’m excited, and every day, I’m going to learn something new about Ali Riley and Sarah Gorden.
“We know it’s not going to be pretty right away, but that’s also the beauty of it when you see where we go from month one to month 10. I’m excited.”
ANGEL CITY FOOTBALL CLUB PRESEASON ROSTER:
ACFC’s opening day roster features the following players (in alphabetical order by last name):
Goalkeepers: Sydney Cassalia (NRI), DiDi Haračić, Brittany Isenhour, Maia Perez (NRI)
Defenders: Vanessa Gilles (INTL), Sarah Gorden, Paige Nielsen, Ali Riley, Allyson Swaby, M.A. Vignola
Midfielders: Hope Breslin, Katie Cousins, Stefany Ferrer Van Ginkel (INTL, NYR), Savannah McCaskill, Lily Nabet, Cari Roccaro, Miri Taylor (INTL), Dani Weatherholt
Forwards: Simone Charley, Claire Emslie (NYR), Jun Endo (INTL), Tyler Lussi, Katie McClure, Christen Press, Jasmyne Spencer
Key: Non-Roster Invitee (NRI), International Player (INTL), Not Yet Reported (NYR)
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