First takeaways from Angel City FC's 1-0 loss at San Diego Wave FC

Angel City FC came up short in its attempt to spoil San Diego Wave FC's opening match in front of a sold-out Snapdragon Stadium.

One goal was the difference between the two Southern California clubs. The result puts San Diego at the top of the NWSL standings and puts Angel City FC farther from the final playoff spot.

Overall, the occasion made for one of the most important NWSL regular-season matches in recent memory. It didn't exactly deliver on the attacking side of things and it ended up being a missed opportunity for the visitors.

Living on the edge

The opening minutes of the match made for a nervous start on both sides. San Diego Wave FC eased into the pressure satisfying the home crowd much quicker than Angel City's attempt to make the home crowd uneasy.

Goalkeeper DiDi Haračić was living a bit on the edge early with a few short passes out of the back. Perhaps these attempts were to gain an edge in the mental games against Alex Morgan but it also invited too much of a risk.

The Angel City backline was well positioned to keep Morgan offside on a few occasions. As the first half wore on, however, the defense was starting to lose ground to the San Jose front line.

Jaedyn Reese Shaw scored the opening goal in the 30th minute. A header inside the box from the 17-year-old became a historic moment for Wave FC but it was also a play that could have been contested better.

Though it was a rivalry match, the Angel City defense played this one like any other game. That approach proved costly and meant the full three points.

Lacking spark in attack

The Angel City attack really struggled on the day to generate clear chances. It also did not help that ACFC leading scorer Savannah McCaskill had an off day.

McCaskill had two chances in the first half but nothing overly worrying. Her best chance, and one where she did not live up to the moment, came from the penalty spot in the second half.

After San Diego committed the foul that allowed the chance for the equalizer, McCaskill needed to convert from the spot. Instead, a softly-taken kick made way for the save and a dreadful night for the visitors.

Angel City FC actually won the battle for shots attempted but stats don't always tell the story. This match was a struggle for a team that is now winless in three straight.

Path to the playoffs gets complicated

Aside from the importance of the occasion, this was an opportunity for points that Angel City needed to seize upon. The loss kept the Los Angeles side four points from sixth-place Chicago Red Stars, though Angel City currently has a game in hand.

Angel City FC will visit Chicago on the final matchday, which puts a direct meeting in play, but that encounter could mean nothing depending on what happens in the prior matches. It's must-win territory for ACFC if they hope to make the postseason.

The good news is the next two matches are in the friendly confines of the Banc of California Stadium. The two matches come fast, five days apart, but it's a good advantage to have with the situation the club is in.

It's time for Angel City FC to respond on the field. That response will have to be much better than what the team showed this past week.