On Monday, Angel City FC made the significant announcement that head coach Becki Tweed has been let go after just one full season at the helm. This decision comes in the wake of a shake-up within the club, which also saw the departure of former general manager Angela Hucles Mangano. This restructuring is part of a larger vision for the club under its new ownership.
Tweed’s journey with Angel City began when she stepped in as interim head coach in the middle of the 2023 season. At that time, the team was still finding its footing in just their second year in the league. Against the odds, Tweed led Angel City to their historic first playoff appearance, marking a major milestone for the franchise. The team enjoyed an impressive 11-game unbeaten streak, which culminated in her being named the permanent head coach ahead of the 2024 season.
Unfortunately, the 2024 season did not unfold as hoped. Angel City found themselves struggling throughout the year, ultimately finishing in 12th place out of 14 teams and accruing only 24 points. This total included a three-point penalty due to salary cap violations, and even without those deductions, they would have ended in 10th place—just five points away from the playoff cutoff. For fans and stakeholders, this season was a difficult pill to swallow, as hopes for progress were dashed.
In a statement, Angel City FC’s technical director, Mark Wilson, expressed gratitude for Tweed’s efforts during her time with the club. “Despite the difficulties and a challenging season, Becki’s resilience and determination have made a lasting impact,” he said. Wilson, who recently stepped into his role, emphasized that Tweed would leave the organization with respect and admiration, wishing her the best in her future pursuits. It’s clear that while results did not meet expectations, there was an acknowledgment of the positive influences Tweed brought to the team.
During this transitional period, assistant coach Eleri Earnshaw has been appointed to serve as the interim head coach. As the calendar year draws to a close, it’s evident that Angel City is in the market not only for a new head coach but also a general manager—a pivotal moment for the franchise as they look to reestablish themselves.
The recent acquisition of Angel City by Willow Bay and Bob Iger introduced a wave of hope for revitalization. Acquiring the team for a record-setting $250 million, Bay, who is also the dean of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, has highlighted the urgent need for improvements both on the field and in team facilities. Not long after the takeover, plans were rolled out for significant upgrades to the practice facilities. The exits of Hucles Mangano and Tweed signal a clean slate—a fresh chance for a talented team eager to move forward.
A cloud of uncertainty has hovered over the organization, particularly following the penalties imposed on Hucles Mangano and team president Julie Uhrman for their involvement in salary cap violations. This included a three-point deduction and a hefty fine of $200,000—the largest penalty commissioner Lisa Baird can impose unilaterally, designed to deter future violations. The resolution of this investigation arrived just in time for the new ownership to take decisive action as they began their stewardship over the club.
Tweed had the distinction of being only the second head coach in Angel City’s relatively short history. Freya Coombe, the inaugural head coach, parted ways with the team in June 2023, paving the way for Tweed to join as interim head coach shortly thereafter. Previously, Tweed had served as an assistant coach at NJ/NY Gotham FC for three seasons, successfully transitioning from a player to coach and building a wealth of experience in the professional landscape.
As Angel City FC turns the page to a new chapter, fans, players, and staff alike are left hoping that these changes will lead to a stronger, more competitive team in the seasons to come. While the future remains uncertain, the commitment to improvement and new leadership provides a glimmer of optimism for a club that has experienced its fair share of challenges along the way.
