Angel City makes a daring move, locking in Angelina Anderson until 2028 | OneFootball

Angel City FC wasn't willing to gamble on their net, locking in goalkeeper Angelina Anderson with a three-year contract extension that keeps her in Los Angeles through 2028. The young shot-stopper was already making a case for her place in the squad and now has the full confidence of the front office as she cements her status as a key player.

Safe investment or calculated gamble?

Since being selected by Angel City in the second round of the 2023 NWSL Draft, Anderson has proven she has the skill to play at the highest level. With 53 saves in just 10 appearances, she's shown she can be a reliable piece of the roster.

It's not just about the numbers for the front office-the presence of Anderson in the locker room carries its weight. Sporting director Mark Parsons said much the same, adding her worth as both a player and a person-investing in talent is huge, but having good character is, too.

"Angelina is one of the most promising young goalkeepers in this league, and we're happy she has committed to sticking with us for a few years. We continue to need to invest in the talent on the field and in high-character people. She is a unique teammate to this group, and I believe she can become an important leader.

Anderson herself didn't hide her excitement. In her own words, Los Angeles already feels like home. She believes in Angel City's project and wants to keep growing with the club.

"This team, this community, this place have become home to me. I'm excited for the future of this club and where we're headed. I'm truly honored to be part of it. I couldn't imagine a better place to continue developing as a person and a player than Angel City, with the best fans in the world."

The weight of the badge and responsibility to grow

With Anderson on their roster, Angel City is building a great foundation for their future, and that recent call-up to the senior USWNT camp only serves to push the idea she is on the radar for even bigger things.

However, it is not always straightforward to the top in professional soccer. Firstly, Anderson is still very young, and the level of experience, decisiveness, and composure this position requires can be overwhelming. Yes, she has a commendable collegiate record with 26 shutouts for Berkeley, some individual accolades, and even being a team leader. But that will change in the NWSL.

If the plan from Angel City is to groom her into the undisputed starter for years to come, the process must be handled with much care. Big moments are nothing new to her, though, as she stepped up in her league debut with a shutout against Kansas City Current. Handling an entire season as first-choice keeper is still a hurdle to be overcome, though.

Is Angel City making the right call?

It is a big deal for Anderson, who secures his spot in Angel City until 2028. Considering the league that is getting tougher by the minute, having such a promising goalkeeper develop within the club is an asset.

Instead of looking for external reinforcements, the team is betting on the growth of a player who already understands the system, playing style, and culture of the club. That can pay off in the long run, not just in terms of on-field performances but also in fostering a squad that's more cohesive and fully bought into the club's vision.

But the NWSL season is around the corner, and the hype surrounding Anderson does nothing but grows. If the development keeps up, she'll be one of the top-shelf players with Angel City; if not, the team might have to decide whether this commitment over three years was a surefire vote of confidence or a bold gamble.

One thing, however, remains certain-the dice has been tossed. Now it's upon Angelina Anderson to turn promise into undeniable impact.