Alyssa Thompson made history in January when she was the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NWSL draft and the first player ever drafted out of high school. The 18-year-old phenom has already appeared for the USWNT and played her first game for Angel City on Wednesday night.
Angel City defeated Club América 3-0 at BMO Stadium in a club friendly. Thompson was given her first start and immediately made an impact just five minutes into the game.
After receiving the ball near midfield, Thompson dribbled past four América defenders and the goalkeeper to score an incredible solo goal. That's how you announce yourself to your new teammates.
The 15,000 in attendance approved.
Alyssa Thompson first Angel City goal
18-year-old @USWNT star Alyssa Thompson scored her first professional goal for @weareangelcity just minutes into her debut pic.twitter.com/J2Dv6cbpS7
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 9, 2023
First goal at @BMOStadium for 2023 #1 @NWSL draft pick Alyssa Thompson. ⚽️♀️ pic.twitter.com/Phc9RpEeJ4
— Juan Vargas (@agoodjuan) March 9, 2023
Thompson had a magnificent debut and was given a standing ovation when she was substituted out of the game in the 75th minute. She was named the Player of the Match.
Player of the Match title goes to Alyssa Thompson. First game, first goal!#Volemos | #ACFCvCAF | #AngelCityFC pic.twitter.com/HgGnTpBM7L
— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) March 9, 2023
Not too shabby of a debut for a kid who had an English class earlier that day.
Alyssa Thompson took an English class in the morning and at night scored her first goal on her professional debut #AngelCityFC pic.twitter.com/LzsmygeMka
— Eduard Cauich (@ecauich) March 9, 2023
Paige Nielsen doubled the lead for the hosts in the 56th minute and Simone Charley ensured an Angel City victory with a third in the final minutes. Despite trailing for most of the game, the América faithful still made the most out of their time in BMO Stadium by launching fireworks and flares.
Firecrackers and smoke from the América supporters section in the 60' pic.twitter.com/9TZaTKeg3w
— Steph Yang | Horrible Soccer Goose (@thrace) March 9, 2023
Angel City’s first NWSL game will be on March 26 as they host Gotham FC.
