How Angel City’s Angelina Anderson turned a costly mistake into a career-best season

Angel City FC goalkeeper Angelina Anderson bounced back from an early-season stoppage-time mistake to deliver a career-best season, ranking among the NWSL leaders in wins and clean sheets. Following an intervention from her boyfriend, NFL player Thomas Booker, Anderson altered her mental approach to reduce self-imposed pressure. Her resurgence has helped propel Angel City into its second playoff appearance against the Kansas City Current.

Anderson's performance was further elevated by midseason coaching changes, including manager Leif Gunnar Smerud and goalkeeper coach Louis Hunt. Under their direction, Anderson posted a league-best nine shutouts after mid-May and went undefeated on penalty kicks during the season, helping Angel City set franchise records for wins and points.