Angel City

As an avid WOSO fan since that 2011 World Cup quarterfinal (Pinoe->Wambach, IYKYK), Ángel City FC is a dream come true on so many levels. And then to be able to see parts of what it was like to build the dream in this series is like having a backstage pass. Well done to all involved! Look forward to more and seeing full investment across the board in this league and others around the world. ACFC set a new, so long deserved standard for women athletes. There were many moments along this journey, where there have been happy tears and tears of relief shed. Wonderful to document this in a well-crafted series.

I enjoy women's soccer (it has more finesse and team work and less flopping than the men's game) and Angel City is one of the teams I like to watch, so I expected to like this series. The first episode was interesting while episode two was mediocre. Episode three was mostly people yelling and random comments. Very little story; just noise. I turned it off. I think the story could have been completed in two episodes instead of trying to stretch it to three by editing in a bunch of noise. Or perhaps include a little more detail about the individual players' journey. People screaming is not good story telling. Random comments edited together is not good story telling.

I've been a fan of LouCity FC and Racing Louisville FC since they first started playing in the Lynn Family Stadium (I've followed English Premier League much longer). But this three part series provides a perspective on US soccer leagues I had not considered. It is a bit dramatic and could have told more of the story of NWSL and the difficulties facing an expansion team. However, the time spent with the team, coach and manager was really enjoyable. It was especially moving to hear a player and the manager owning their role as a voice for women and the LGBTQ+ (I type this so you know what I mean, but I prefer to avoid that label-I prefer to say a voice for freedom of agency and equality for all because that it was is really being fought for). But even more moving was the athlete's wish to someday just be able to play soccer. The series is not all socio-political but you can't separate the obstacles every non-male athlete must overcome to succeed. I get that professional sports are about profits. But these athletes can attest that the path for male athletes from elementary school on is fully funded, supported and glorified. Women only have the gains they have because they had to win legal battles, elect supportive candidates and speak out in the face of adversity, hatred and actual violence. So, if you already understand the fight but don't care, watch the NFL. I f you want enlightenment and love soccer, this series is a good start.