We hope all 14 NWSL teams are locked and loaded for the 2025 campaign. Just one more night’s sleep before fans get to witness the official kickoff of the new season. However, even with little time left before they take the pitch, Angel City doesn’t seem to be done with their revamping yet. After announcing their final roster for the year, they also secured a surprise $65,000 trade.

Hold your horses; it’s not a player they have signed. Instead, the Los Angeles-based club paid this amount to their rival, Racing Louisville and bought their 2025 international roster spot. Already, ACFC had filled their seven international spots. But having made this latest move, they now have another one—which, of course, isn’t bought just to keep it empty. We reckon another international signing might be in the books.  

Interestingly, it was just days ago that Racing Louisville FC received $80,000 in intra-league transfer funds from the Washington Spirit in exchange for a 2025 international roster slot. That means they have only two slots remaining that are unfilled as the other three are filled by Brazilian midfielder Ary Borges, Nigerian forward Uchenna Kanu, and Finnish defender Elli Pikkujämsä.

Back in 2023, each team was allocated only five international spots. However, since these spots are tradeable assets, teams can end up with more or few, depending on trades. However, ahead of the 2024 season, it was increased to 7. The decision was taken due to the addition of expansion teams, Bay FC and Utah Royals. So international roster spots are expected to see a further increase after the 15th and 16th expansion teams of Boston and Denver also enter the league next year.

Simultaneously, Angel City also confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Breanna Norris to a roster relief contract through June 30, 2025. Norris has been training and competing with the team since joining the 2025 ACFC preseason roster as a trialist. With this news, they were also able to confirm their official roster for the 2025 campaign:

Goalkeepers: Angelina Anderson, Breanna Norris, Hannah Stambaugh

Defenders: Elizabeth Eddy, Vanessa Gilles (INTL-CAN, ON LOAN), Sarah Gorden, Hannah Johnson, Savy King, Miyabi Moriya (INTL-JPN), Megan Reid, Ali Riley (SEI), Gisele Thompson, M.A. Vignola

Midfielders: Jun Endo (SEI, INTL-JPN), Kennedy Fuller, Madison Hammond, Macey Hodge, Alanna Kennedy (INTL-AUS), Lily Nabet, Katie Zelem (INTL-ENG)

Forwards: Julie Dufour (INTL-FRA), Claire Emslie, Sydney Leroux, Maithé López (INTL-COL, ON LOAN), Casey Phair (U18), Christen Press, Alyssa Thompson, Riley Tiernan

Regardless, it seems that Angel City is ready for its opening NWSL clash with San Diego Wave FC at BMO Stadium this Sunday, March 16. As for the additional international spot acquired, they still have some time to fill it if they wish to, considering the NWSL transfer window closes on March 24. Then again, we wonder how they keep making new additions, given their biggest spot isn’t filled yet!

Coaching woes still unresolved for Angel City

Imagine making new additions to the team, only to the fact they aren’t being sought after by any coach. That’s the case for Angel City, who are yet to find themselves a new manager. Currently, Sam Laity has been given a charge until a permanent replacement is found. They made the move after parting ways with Becki Tweed in December following a disappointing end to the 2024 season.

In fact, a shocking update from sporting director Mark Parsons earlier confirmed that the club won’t appoint a new head coach until at least June. “Our head coach process is getting to a point where it is getting clearer, but it’s still not clear when the head coach could be joining us at Angel City,” said Parsons while addressing the media last week.

“The availability of the candidates that are left in the process are all available in June, and in the next few weeks, I hope to be able to give a more concrete update,” he added while backing Liaty for the time being. Indeed, the uncertainty around ACFC’s coaching situation seems quite daunting. But as Laity’s decade-long experience makes him a capable leader, it’s left to be seen how Angel City navigates the season under his guidance.