Last year's No. 1 draft pick looks to leave a larger imprint in her second season as ACFC heads to Kansas City still seeking its first victory
As a rookie last season, Alyssa Thompson said she had a lot of learning to do.
“I learned how to be a professional,” she said. “I didn’t really know what that entailed last year and I got a lot of insight from the vets on the team, by playing in games, and just having more experience.
“I feel like I have learned a lot through that.”
Thompson, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft, also graduated from Harvard-Westlake High School and was selected for the United States World Cup roster. She was also a Rookie of the Year finalist and scored four goals.
“I’ve learned how to manage my time, how to work on things after practice, going to coaches for film, keeping my body ready to play,” she said. “It’s all things that I didn’t have to think about as a high schooler, but things that are really beneficial in a professional league.
“Coming into this season, I really want to build from last year and be a better player. I want to be more clinical in the box and in finishing. I definitely want to score more, and I have really high expectations of myself. I know it’s early in the season, but I’m keeping myself to a high standard and I’ll continue to work hard and get better.”
Thompson and Angel City (0-1-1, one point) are on the road Saturday to face the Kansas City Current (2-0, six points). The game will air at 12:30 p.m. on ESPN.
For her second season, Thompson is paired with younger sister Gisele, who also chose to bypass college to sign with Angel City.
“I love playing with Gisele,” Alyssa said. “When we’re in training, I always want to be on the same team as her. I don’t want to compete against her. I love being on her team and I feel so comfortable around her.
“She’s been a big part in me being more comfortable this season overall. I love having her around, she really does make me happier.”
Gisele Thompson missed last week’s draw against Orlando with an ankle sprain. She made her professional debut in the season-opening loss against Bay FC, replacing her older sister in the 82nd minute.
“I was super excited that she got her debut, she deserves it so much,” Alyssa Thompson said. “I’m so happy that she got to enter the match in front of our fans and our family.”
Alyssa Thompson missed the CONCACAF Gold Cup due to a back injury, but is looking to get back into the national team mix. She said she has had conversations with current interim coach Twila Kilgore.
“I am just going to continue to try to do my best and try to make the next rosters,” she said.”
Angel City has scored just one goal through two games and faces a Current team that has scored seven. But as coach Becki Tweed was quick to point out, the Current has allowed five goals in two games.
“Every time you step out on the field, your objective is to win. You’d be crazy to say anything else, but this league is a marathon,” Tweed said. “We know that we have a process. We know that we have a game plan and an identity, and we have to execute that.
“We feel confident that our first two performances were enough to win the match, we just didn’t execute in actually winning.”
Angel City will be off next week, returning for its April 13 game on the road against the Chicago Red Stars.
As of Friday, Casey Phair (South Korea), Claire Emslie (Scotland), Amandine Henry (France) and Rocky Rodriguez (Costa Rica) will be away for national team duty.
When: 12:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: CPKC Stadium, Kansas City, Mo.
TV: ESPN
