CHICAGO — A dramatic 80th-minute goal from M.A. Vignola helped Angel City FC salvage a point in a 2-2 draw with the Chicago Stars on Saturday night at BMO Stadium, marking a wild debut for new head coach Alex Straus.
Straus, who took over the Los Angeles-based club on June 1, saw his side go from scoring first, to trailing, to ultimately clawing back level in front of 17,538 fans.
Chicago’s Strong Second Half Undone Late
Despite sitting at the bottom of the standings, Chicago Stars FC put on a gritty performance. They took the lead in the 66th minute when Aly Schegel launched a long-range shot that dipped under the crossbar, making it 2-1.
Just minutes later, a controversial moment nearly gave Chicago a penalty. During a scramble in the box, the ball struck Vignola’s hand. But after a video review, the referee chose not to award a handball, keeping Angel City in the game.
“We’re not backing down,” Vignola said after the match.
Read the full game report
Vignola Equalizes, Fuller Shines
In the 80th minute, Vignola found redemption — scoring the equalizer that tied the match 2-2 and shifted momentum back in Angel City’s favor.
Earlier, Kennedy Fuller had opened the scoring in the 29th minute after capitalizing on a failed clearance by Chicago. The ball rolled just outside the 6-yard box and Fuller calmly tapped it in.
Chicago equalized in the 58th minute with a deflected shot from Nadia Gomes, which beat Angel City keeper Angelina Anderson.
Late-Game Drama on Both Ends
Both teams came close to stealing a win in stoppage time:
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Chicago’s Shea Groom hit the post in the dying moments.
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Angel City’s Christen Press forced a tough save from a sharp angle seconds later.
The match concluded with both teams locked at two goals apiece — an outcome that left Chicago frustrated but Angel City relieved.
A Familiar Face Returns
Also spotted at the game was defender Savy King, attending from a suite. King is on medical leave after collapsing during a match on May 9 and undergoing heart surgery. Saturday marked her first return to the stadium since that frightening moment.
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