A deep dive into the Angel City FC fanbase
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Angel City first kicked off in 2022, entering the NWSL as the new expansion franchise eager to make an immediate impact. The club became an instant success both on and off the field, revolutionizing the landscape of the league while ushering in a new era of women’s soccer to the city of Los Angeles.
Fans quickly flocked to boast the ‘asphalt’ and ‘sol rosa’ colors, creating a community-driven atmosphere around the team.
“Supporter groups are the lifeblood of the stadium, the twelfth player, and the creative force that works tirelessly in support of the team on the field,” states the club on their website.
And the fans proved to be just that on the team’s inaugural match on April 29, 2022, proudly sporting the new crest as a sold out crowd of 22,000 cheered throughout BMO Stadium. A giant banner that read "Un Nuevo Amanecer" ("A New Dawn") was unfurled during that match to mark the astonishing occasion in Los Angeles.
The image of an angel rising over the city of LA could now be seen by all within BMO Stadium and beyond. To emphasize the revolutionary moment for supporters, Klarna created the ‘A New Dawn’ capsule collection produced by Suay Sew Shop that boasts the ACFC crest and Klarna logo to certify the item’s authenticity.
The Nuevo Amanecer tifo represents “such pride for Los Angeles and pride for our communities,” said supporter Danielle Lugo of the Poderosas supporter group. “Being a former athlete, I remember seeing the youth here in the stands [on day one]. When I was playing, I could only dream of college, and now these kids have a whole new world to look forward to.”
The Angel City FC supporters groups
1. Angel City Valkyries
Angel City Valkyries, an independent supporters group, was one of the first to form in July 2020 led by Stephanie Badum, Heather Borjon, and other fans who took the high of the 2019 Women's World Cup in France and translated it into their local team.
The group aims to be “inclusive, passionate, and community-driven” in supporting Angel City, opening their doors to any who wish to join. They've singled out ACFC forward Sydney Leroux, in particular, as an inspiration who fuels their identification with the mythical warriors of Norse mythology.
2. Mosaic 1781
Mosaic 1781 was created on the grounds of diversity, highlighting the ‘melting pot’ that is the Angel City fan base and the greater Los Angeles area.
"We chose the name Mosaic because that's what our group and city is, individuals from all different backgrounds coming together to make one community,” said founder Alondra Espinosa.
"Fans in Los Angeles are more than cis-Latino or white men, and fans that look like me or have the same ideals as me should not have to hide who we are just to support soccer.”
The group works to empower women and serve as activists against the ills of racism, homophobia, and xenophobia all while supporting Angel City from the stands.
3. Pandemonium
Like their name reflects, the group Pandemonium “welcomes chaos” when it comes to supporting Angel City. The self-described "hooligans that like to have fun" usually reside in the BMO's north end where their pink, panda-themed scarves stand out.
The mission statement is clear: “Pandemonium can guarantee this: We show up when it counts, and it counts every time. We are Pandemonium. Welcome to the Chaos.”
The group also strives to bring horizontal organization to the supporter experience as a way to elevate the women's game and create an ambience of excitement for all fans. Member Sofía Román, for example, helped create the giant ‘Nuevo Amanecer’ banner to unite all groups.
4. PodeRosas
PodeRosas – a group with deep ties into LA's Chicano culture – is “led by and for women and femmes of color” to unite support for Angel City FC. The name, a play on the Spanish words for powerful women and the team’s color pink, is an accurate reflection of their spirit and drive.
“LET'S GO ANGEL CITY! ¡VAMOS ANGEL CITY FC! ¡DEL BARRIO, PA'L BARRIO! FOR THE HOOD, BY THE HOOD” reads their statement on Angel City’s website.
The supporters group also boasts pink in their clothing in a nod to the club's sol rosa accentuated kits.
5. Relentless Ladies
The Relentless Ladies might be one of the club's most active supporters groups before kick off, often starting the festivities through family friendly tailgates before and after matches. Their mission includes passing on the values that the team stands for to the next generation of soccer fans.
The family friendly group strives to “show up early and show up in force” to give all an opportunity to boast the team’s colors. In the end, the Relentless Ladies hope to make a difference on the stands and in the community.
6. Rebellion 99
Rebellion 99 kicked off even before Angel City, committing to providing a community for fans in 2019. The group has vowed their support through thick and thin, and with social causes important to Angelenos, including working to "uplift women, LGBTQIA+ and marginalized communities everywhere.”
These supporters can be heard throughout BMO Stadium in every home match, boasting the colors while standing for “inclusivity, equality, respect and camaraderie and will uphold these standards at all times – in and out of the stands.”