Angel City’s Future Unfolds as Its Captain Announces Her Retirement
After three years with Angel City FC, Captain Ali Riley announced yesterday afternoon that she will be retiring at the end of the 2025 NWSL season. The 37-year-old has had an extensive soccer career; she has played everything from New Zealand’s National Team, competed in various Olympic tournaments, played for Stanford University during her college years, and her time with FC Rosengård— all of which have continued to prove to fans and the public why she remained Angel City’s Captain. Riley will forever be remembered as Angel City’s first-ever captain. As the club was establishing its roster in 2022 and was still considered an up-and-coming team in the NWSL, Riley finalized her official transfer from Orlando Pride FC to Angel City FC and was later named their captain.
As a defender, Riley is a perfect example of prime leadership. Her thriving knowledge and experience, along with her consistency as a defensive player, made her a cornerstone of Angel City’s foundation. The Angel City FC CEO and Co-Founder Julie Uhrman stated on the club’s official website that Riley’s “impact on our team, our city, the global game, and on me personally is immeasurable. Ali has shown us that leadership goes far beyond the pitch; it’s in how you care for others, how you show up, and how you lead every single day.” Their kind words only reflect that Ali Riley has been and will forever be known as a spectacular captain who started and grew Angel City’s legacy.
Yesterday, Riley was interviewed by the popular YouTube Channel “The Women’s Game”, in which she explained that she isn’t feeling bittersweet, rather “less bitter, just sweet” as she enters this new chapter in her life. Riley also further explained that she thought it was time to retire after her childhood home was sadly lost in the Palisades Fires, and as her recurring leg injury continued. She later reflected on various aspects of her life and expressed that it was time for something new. She repeatedly shared during her interview that while stepping away from representing New Zealand and Angel City FC will be difficult, she is grateful that her final games will be surrounded by her supportive team, friends, and family, proving how much her community means to her. Riley will continue to finish out the rest of this 2025 season in Angel City’s final four games, three of them being in Los Angeles.
Yet, what does this all mean for Angel City and its future? At the end of the season, Angel City will sadly lose a huge asset to their team, and though many fans and players will miss her, there is no doubt that her legacy will continue within these girls. Currently, Angel City has not officially mentioned anything regarding naming a new captain, but many promising candidates could continue Riley’s supportive energy. One possible option could be defender Sarah Gorden. While Riley was away throughout previous seasons to tend to her injury, Gorden was occasionally substituted as Vice-Captain; during that time, she proved her reliability as a defender while continuing to support her teammates. Various players throughout Angel City demonstrate “captain-like” qualities as they share a strong sense of leadership skills and abilities, dedication, and drive for the game. Though Angel City FC will be saying goodbye to a lovable and electric strength, Riley can leave confidently knowing that Angel City’s future is in good hands.
