Angel City FC made a warranted announcement Thursday by officially naming Becki Tweed as new head coach.
Tweed took over as ACFC interim coach on June 14 after the firing of Freya Coombe and instantly exceeded expectations. A team that was at the bottom of the National Women’s Soccer League standings due to an abysmal start suddenly was rejuvenated and went on an unprecedented 11-game unbeaten run to come back to life.
That stretch kept playoff aspirations alive, and on Decision Day, needing a win over one of the best teams in the NWSL, Angel City demolished the Portland Thorns 5-1 to stamp their first-ever trip to the playoffs in just Year 2.
It was a short-lived experience as they fell 1-0 to the OL Reign a few days later, but Tweed’s miraculous turnaround was enough for the Angel City brass to make the decision.
“We have created a strong foundation, and now our expectations are higher,” said Tweed. “Serving as the head coach of Angel City is a one-of-a-kind opportunity because of what the club stands for and what it brings to women’s sports globally. The on-field product is as important to us as what we are building off the field, and as a squad we are committed to results moving forward.”
ACFC general manager Angela Hucles Mangano said the team conducted a thorough search process with 52 candidates and getting input from various stakeholders, but Tweed ultimately emerged as she was pulling off the unthinkable game after game, finishing with a 8-2-5 record in all competitions.
“I mean, Becki has done — can I say the f-word? — Becki has done f***ing fantastic,” said Angel City defender Sarah Gorden after the regular-season finale. “She’s done a great job at holding us accountable, pushing us, knowing when to just manage players.
When Tweed stepped in, it was perhaps the most important game of the season as ACFC was down in San Diego to take on their rivals. The team overcame a 1-0 deficit and rallied for the 2-1 win, kicking off what co-owner Julie Uhrman called “the beginning of the most incredible journey.”
Players through the roster have no hesitation when praising Tweed’s ability to put the person before the athlete. Because of her approach, the mindset in training shifted and created a competitive culture that sparked notable growth in the second-year club.
“I’m not sure I will realize how special this season was for a long time because I’m always thinking about what’s next,” Tweed told Yahoo Sports. “And I know that I have to process that and be proud of it. I believe this is just the start for this club, this team moving forward and for my career.”
It has always been about building for Angel City, with ambitions of being the most successful club in the league. The strides are there but with success comes even higher expectations.
“Getting to the playoffs was a huge goal for us,” Uhrman said. “When we walked into preseason our second year, we had playoffs as a goal but probably had no right to put that on the board. And this team achieved it.”
What they can start crossing off the board next is now the latest challenge, and Tweed is already brainstorming.
