Former Huntington Beach leaders file lawsuit to block $5 million air show settlement

• June 30, 2023

Two former Huntington Beach officials have filed an eleventh-hour injunction to prevent the city from paying almost $5 million to the annual air show operator for a settlement approved in May.

Former Huntington Beach Mayor Connie Boardman and Former Planning Commissioner Mark Bixby on Thursday, June 29, filed the lawsuit, which charges that the city prematurely settled before a judge weighed in.

Pacific Airshow LLC sued Huntington Beach in October for losses it incurred after the third and final day of the October 2021 air show was canceled following reports of an oil spill. The spill ended up being about 25,000 gallons and closed beaches and fishing along much of the Orange County coast for weeks.

The city agreed to pay the air show operator nearly $5 million, with up to $2 million more if the city recovers additional money from its lawsuit against Amplify Energy Corp., the company that owns the pipeline that leaked.

City leaders released a summary of the settlement, but have refused to disclose the full agreement, angering some residents.

Lee Fink, attorney for Boardman and Bixby, called the settlement “a gift of taxpayers funds that is totally unlawful.” A judge would not find the city liable in closing the beach during a hazardous oil spill and the current City Council and City Attorney Michael Gates know that, he argued.

“Last week, the City Council barely missed closing libraries and it’s planning on giving away millions of dollars to air show operators,” Fink said.

Boardman, who spent eight years on the council, said the city should potentially look for another company to hold an air show.

“It wasn’t the city’s fault the old spill happened. The city had to protect beachgoers,” she said. “Agreeing to the settlement was ridiculous … Oil is toxic.”

Boardman and Bixby are asking the Orange County Superior Court to block the settlement.

Gates responded Thursday that he can’t disclose the city’s rationale for settling because it falls under attorney-client privilege.

But Gates pointed to Visit Huntington Beach tourism bureau research that says the air show generates more than $100 million a year in direct and indirect local revenues.

The estimate comes from a 2022 analysis done by the Destination Analysts that said the air show resulted in $70 million in direct spending, including revenues from taxes and fees of $3.7 million. Indirect and trickle-down spending boosted the number to more than $100 million, according to the analysis.

“There’s absolutely no gift here,” Gates said. “If there’s no settlement, there’s no air show … This could be characterized as anything but a sweetheart deal.”

Pacific Airshow’s lawsuit won’t be dismissed until the city sends the first payment of $1.9 million by the end of July, according to a summary of the settlement agreement.

Earlier this month, Huntington Beach resident and former City Council candidate Gina Clayton-Tarvin filed a lawsuit to get a copy of the air show settlement that Gates has refused to release.

A judge will hear both Clayton-Tarvin’s case and the new injunction request on Friday, June 30, in Orange County Superior Court.

Related links

First day of Pacific Airshow brings high-flying action above Huntington Beach
Here’s what it looks like to fly with the planes in the Pacific Airshow
Major oil spill closes OC beaches, kills wildlife in Huntington Beach
A year later, the Huntington Beach oil spill still is being felt

​ Orange County Register 

Horse racing notes: Cody’s Wish possible for Whitney Stakes

• June 30, 2023

LOS ALAMITOS LEADERS

(Through Thursday)

JOCKEYS / WINS

Abdul Alsagoor / 3

Abel Cedillo / 3

Antonio Fresu / 3

Ramon Vazquez / 3

Three tied / 2

TRAINERS / WINS

Peter Miller / 3

Val Brinkerhoff / 2

Luis Mendez / 2

Hector Palma / 2

Lorenzo Ruiz / 2

WEEKEND STAKES AT LOS ALAMITOS

Tuesday

• $200,000 Grade II Great Lady M. Stakes, fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up, 6½ furlongs

DOWN THE STRETCH

• Cody’s Wish worked 4 furlongs in 48.48 seconds over Saratoga’s Oklahoma training track Monday and is under consideration for the $1 million Grade I Whitney Stakes on Aug. 5, which offers a “Win and You’re In” berth to the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Nov. 4 at Santa Anita. “That’s possible,” trainer Bill Mott said. “It’s (9 furlongs) always a question. He’s won his Breeders’ Cup going a two-turn mile, but he’s not won at a mile and an eighth.”

• Los Alamitos will race four days this holiday weekend, beginning Saturday and concluding with a special Fourth of July race card on Tuesday. The lone stakes race is the $200,000 Grade II Great Lady M., a 6½-furlong race for fillies and mares that will be run Tuesday. The final stakes event of the nine-day meet, the $125,000 Los Alamitos Derby, is scheduled for next Saturday (July 8).

• Two Phil’s, the runner-up in the Kentucky Derby, fractured a sesamoid in his left front ankle after winning the Ohio Derby on Saturday and has been retired to stud. “We decided to retire him, just when he was starting to blossom,” trainer Larry Rivelli told the Daily Racing Form after the Hard Spun colt won the Ohio Derby by 5¾ lengths. “We had everything mapped out but it is woulda, coulda, shoulda.”

— Art Wilson

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​ Orange County Register 

Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw received injection for inflammation in ‘cranky’ shoulder

• June 30, 2023

DENVER — It was Clayton Kershaw’s shoulder that prompted him to come out of his start after 79 pitches on Tuesday night and he received an injection to treat inflammation in the joint.

Kershaw said he will try throwing again either Friday or Saturday. How that goes will determine whether he makes his scheduled start on Monday.

“I pitched in the game and my shoulder was a little cranky there in the sixth inning, so I decided to shut it down and then yesterday got it checked out,” said Kershaw, who did not have an MRI. “It’s just some inflammation. … (The plan is to) let it sit for a few days and then start playing catch and I think it should be good after that.”

The three-time Cy Young Award winner said this is not the first time he has had “shoulder stuff” or the first time he received an injection for it. And it wouldn’t be the first time he has pitched with a sore shoulder, he acknowledged.

“It’s been like three or four years,” he said. “Usually the shots help pretty good. So I’m somewhat optimistic that I should be good. (I’m) hopeful to not miss the start. Obviously, with the All-Star break coming up, we have some time to potentially shift things around so we’ll see. But as of now, kind of on the same day-to-day basis, probably start picking up the ball at some point in Kansas City, see how it does and if it feels good, hopefully make my next one.”

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the team is in “a holding pattern” regarding the starting rotation. Kershaw is still tentatively scheduled to start Monday night at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates and then again against the Angels in the final game before the All-Star break next Saturday.

“I think for us it’s more day-to-day,” Roberts said. “I still stand by the goal is for him to pitch on Monday. If it’s not (possible), we’ve got to pivot. We’re not going to put him in harm’s way if we all come together and collectively come together and say, ‘It makes sense to make your start,’ great. If it doesn’t, we’re fine with that too.”

The Dodgers will get one starting pitcher back from the injured list on Saturday when Julio Urias is scheduled to return from his hamstring injury. Right-hander Michael Grove was sent down Thursday in order to add a reliever, left-hander Justin Bruihl.

“I’m not gonna be stupid,” Kershaw said. “If I feel good, I’ll pitch. … If it feels like it needs a few days or I need to wait through the (All-Star) break, I’ll do that too. But I don’t think it’s gonna be a long thing or anything like that, regardless.”

Roberts said pushing Kershaw’s start back from Monday is not an option because of the domino effect it would cause on the rest of the rotation.

“Obviously Clayton is very routine-oriented. But there have been times recently in his career where he has not thrown a ’pen because of things like this,” Roberts said. “If he’s going to throw the ball Friday, obviously it gives us more information for Monday. If it’s Saturday, it makes it harder (to make a decision). That’s just the truth of the matter.

“If he can’t pitch on Monday what’s another day going to do? We might as well take our medicine and make sure he’s right.”

Because of the All-Star break, going to the IL now would afford Kershaw a longer break while potentially missing just those two starts next week.

“If I feel good, I don’t want to stop pitching,” Kershaw said. “But if I do feel like I need a little re-set, this is probably as good a time as any to do it.

“But as of right now, I’m not anticipating that.”

CORRECTION

Roberts said he misspoke on Wednesday and right-hander Dustin May has not picked up a baseball or started playing catch. May has been out since May 17 with a strained flexor pronator mass.

UP  NEXT

Dodgers (RHP Bobby Miller, 3-1, 4.13 ERA) at Royals (RHP Alec Marsh, MLB debut), Friday, 5:10 p.m., SportsNet LA, 570 AM

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​ Orange County Register 

Review: Disneyland delivers the Marvel musical you didn’t know you wanted or needed

• June 30, 2023

If you’re a fan of musical theater and Marvel superheroes, then you’re going to absolutely fall in love with the new “Rogers: The Musical” coming to the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure.

If you love one but not the other, then you’ll still be thrilled at the audacity and absurdity of smashing the two strange bedfellows together. If you don’t like either, then you should probably go ride the Incredicoaster — because “Rogers: The Musical” caters to two very big niche audiences, but probably won’t appeal to Broadway or Marvel novices.

Disneyland hosted a media preview of “Rogers: The Musical” on Thursday, June 29 in the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure. The new 30-minute one-act stage show based on the life story of Captain America and starring Hulk, Iron Man, Thor, Black Widow, Ant-Man and Hawkeye begins a limited run on Friday, June 30.

SEE ALSO: What to expect when Avengers musical opens at Disneyland resort

“Rogers: The Musical” is at times fun, funny, silly, poignant, determined and romantic with plenty of heart and energy. It’s utterly ridiculous to see Captain America sing a love song on a Broadway stage surrounded by sequined USO singers, star spangled dancers, Thor and Iron Man — but somehow it works. In short: This is the Marvel musical you didn’t know you were waiting for and won’t be able to stop talking about. The breezy and brisk theme park show expertly walks a fine line, taking itself seriously, but not too seriously.

At several points, the characters literally ask “What’s with all the singing and dancing?” As if they can’t believe it themselves. Avengers founder Nick Fury summarizes the out-of-body experience perfectly during his own musical number: “It’s a lot to take in.”

SEE ALSO: Will Disneyland’s new Marvel musical be campy, cheesy and silly?

“If you love the Avengers, if you love musical theater or if you just want some fun entertainment, I think there’s something for everybody,” Disney Live Entertainment Choreographer Sarah Kobayashi said during a press conference.

Turning a single song in a Disney+ TV show from an inside joke meant for die-hard Marvel fans into a Broadway-style musical at Disney California Adventure presented as many challenges as it did opportunities for Disneyland’s creative team.

The Disney Live Entertainment creative team used the “Save the City” song in the “Hawkeye” TV series on the Disney+ streaming service as a jumping off point for “Rogers: The Musical.”

“We all saw that number in the ‘Hawkeye’ series on Disney+ and looked at each other and said, ‘We’ve got to do that,’” Disney Live Entertainment Executive Creative Director Dan Fields said. “It turns out all of the fans of this franchise were also doing the same thing online. They were practically demanding it.”

No matter how bizarre the notion, a Marvel musical seems like a perfect fit for Disneyland — especially with the Hyperion Theater sitting vacant a few steps away from the entrance to Avengers Campus.

“We’re live entertainment,” Fields said during an online video interview. “We have singers. We have dancers. We have superheroes right next door in our Avengers Campus. We’re already living in this world.”

Basing an entire musical on the “Save the City” musical number in the “Hawkeye” series raised as many questions as it answered.

“What would the rest of this Steve Rogers story be? How far back would it go? How do you tell his story and his arc? How do you reveal the true depth of the character over many decades as it turns out?” Fields said. “It was a really fun set of rhetorical conversations. There are so many ways we can tell this story.”

One key challenge for the Disney Live Entertainment team was translating comic book superhero action into Broadway-style song and dance numbers.

“The dance numbers kind of directed us. We start the show with Steve Rogers’ origin story in the 1940s,” Fields said. “You’ll find both some historic dance and choreography tropes there, but also some time-travel elements as well. We’re not locked hard and fast into a period.”

SEE ALSO: Is Disneyland’s Marvel musical part of the MCU?

The backstory of the new Marvel musical at DCA follows the journey of Steve Rogers from his service in World War II to becoming Earth’s first known superhero to the birth of the Avengers.

Marvel fans were introduced to the fictional “Rogers: The Musical” in the first episode of the Disney+ series “Hawkeye.” In the show, Hawkeye attends a performance of the Broadway musical about the life of Rogers, the first Captain America.

“In the show, all the Avengers are invited to New York for the premiere of the brand new, showstopping musical but only Clint Barton, aka Hawkeye, shows up,” according to Marvel.com. “The MIA Avengers don’t know what they’re missing, though, as viewers are treated to a musical number based on The Battle of New York … though a few creative liberties have been taken here and there.”

Related Articles

Disney cryptically teased the upcoming run of “Rogers: The Musical” at the Hyperion during a live performance at the D23 Expo in September at the Anaheim Convention Center. D23 attendees watched a surprise live performance of “Save the City” from the musical during the Marvel Studios panel.

The new “Rogers” musical in DCA’s Hyperion will feature “Save the City,” “Star Spangled Man” from the 2011 film “Captain America: The First Avenger” and five new original songs written for the show.

SEE ALSO: Disneyland announces virtual queue for Avengers musical — What you need to know

The new show was written by Tony-nominee Hunter Bell with music by Grammy-winner Christopher Lennertz. Bell wrote the book for “Villains Tonight” on the Disney Cruise Line, according to Broadway World. Lennertz served as music director on Disneyland’s new “Wondrous Journeys” fireworks show.

​ Orange County Register 

Flight cancellations, busy roads add travel chaos to July 4 itinerary

• June 30, 2023

Andrea Jacob spent five hours Thursday afternoon trying to figure out if she’d make her Newark to John Wayne Airport flight, destined for a family trip this holiday weekend to Yosemite.

Long story short, she didn’t make it.

Instead, the 25-year-old New York resident gave up her seat so another woman could get home to her children.

Jacob, whose family lives in Irvine, is one of thousands of frustrated travelers stuck at U.S. airports bogged down by overbookings and weather delays in the Northeast. For her troubles, she got a $1,500 voucher and hotel money from United Airlines, which rebooked her on a July 2 flight.

SEE MORE: Headed to the beach for July Fourth? Here are some valuable tips before you go

The long holiday weekend looks a lot sunnier for the millions of Southern California residents who will venture out by car.

Industry experts say it will be the region’s second-busiest Independence Day weekend ever.

The Auto Club of Southern California expects more than 3.4 million Southern Californians will travel over the July 4 holiday weekend. That includes 517,000 who will be flying, 2.7 million who will be driving and 253,000 who will travel by buses, trains and cruise ships.

“Travel demand has been steadily increasing since 2020, and this summer is poised to be one for the record books,” said Heather Felix, the Auto Club’s vice president of travel products and services.

RELATED: These 10 restaurants offer views for watching Fourth of July fireworks

Lower gas prices are easing the trip a little bit. Southern California prices are about $1.50 lower per gallon than a year ago, but they’re still at the second-highest level ever for this time of year, the Auto Club reported.

Stevenson Ranch resident Tabitha Phillips stopped at a local Arco station Thursday ahead of her weekend trip to Las Vegas. The fill-up, at $4.89 a gallon, wasn’t cheap, but the 34-year-old said she’s resigned to higher fuel prices.

“This is what it is,” she said. It’s “still cheaper than flying.”

Dan Hernandez, who filled up at a nearby Union 76, paid $5.08 a gallon. He and his wife and two sons were returning from a Universal Studios visit before heading back to their home in Los Robles.

“I’m old enough to remember when gas was 75 cents a gallon,” Hernandez said. “That was a little before I started driving, but back then there’d be sticker shock if it broke $1 a gallon.”

Hernandez is equally resigned to high prices at the pump.

“It’s been like this for so long … the frustrating phase is over,” he said. “No one likes these kinds of prices for gas — or for anything. But with a wife and two kids, I need to go where I have to go.”

The top five destinations for Southern California travelers, according to a recent Auto Club travel survey, are Las Vegas, San Diego, the Central Coast, Mexico and the Grand Canyon.

An influx of holiday travelers

Meanwhile, millions of people are expected to pass through LAX from June 28 to July 10.

“We expect passenger volumes to reach the highest levels we have seen so far this year with an average of 228,000 daily passengers in the days before and after the Independence Day holiday,” said Justin Erbacci, CEO for Los Angeles World Airports, which includes LAX.

Before the pandemic in 2019, the airport logged an average daily passenger count of about 241,000 people.

For travelers who need to park ahead of a flight, Erbacci encourages them to use LAX’s smart parking system at parking.flylax.com to pre-book a space. Space already is filling fast, he said.

John Wayne Airport doesn’t like to predict July 4 holiday traffic, but airport spokeswoman AnnaSophia Servin said terminals were buzzing on Thursday.

“We anticipate higher passenger traffic throughout the weekend,” she said.

Scores of airlines have experienced delays and cancellations, with United and Southwest near the top of the list. United had 724 delays and 409 cancellations Thursday, and Southwest posted 1,038 delays and 23 canceled flights.

For Southwest travelers, the situation likely evokes memories of the airline’s meltdown last year when more than 16,700 holiday flights were canceled as the result of a faulty scheduling system and staffing issues. 

The Auto Club of Southern California predicts that 517,000 Southern Californians will be driving to their destinations over the July 4 holiday weekend. (File photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

Related links

Hermosa Beach Ironman, Fourth of July’s boozy tradition, celebrates 50th birthday
Redondo Beach forced to cancel its Fourth of July fireworks over King Harbor
Orange County beach fire pits: How to snag, hold your spot
OC Parks needs more time to rebuild Capistrano Beach after severe erosion
Two Dana Point beaches open again after being closed because of aggressive sea lion report

​ Orange County Register 

Angels’ Mike Trout again voted to All-Star Game, set to play for first time since 2019

• June 30, 2023

ANAHEIM — Four years later, Mike Trout is going to be back in a spot that he had locked down for years.

Trout was voted to start the All-Star Game on Thursday. It was his 11th selection, and 10th time being voted a starter, but he has not been able to play in the game since 2019.

The All-Star Game was canceled because of COVID-19 in 2020, and Trout was hurt in 2021 and 2022.

“It means a lot, being healthy,” Trout said. “That’s the main goal, getting to play.”

The three-time American League MVP will be in the AL starting lineup with Shohei Ohtani, who was selected by fans as the DH for the third straight year and could be added as a pitcher as well when the rest of the rosters are announced this weekend.

Trout, 31, is returning to the All-Star Game even though he is having his worst season. Trout is hitting .260 with an .858 OPS, which is significantly down from his career average of .300 or his OPS of .994. He has still hit 17 homers, just past the season’s midpoint.

Manager Phil Nevin said Trout is still worthy of the honor.

“I still think he’s one of the best players in the game, best players in the world,” Nevin said. “It’s not Mike Trout numbers, if you will, but I still think he’s a game-changing (player). We keep saying this as it’s not like Mike Trout numbers, but look at the board. It’s still in the mid-800’s in OPS. However many home runs he’s got. He’s a game-changer in a lot of different ways.”

In Thursday’s game, Trout robbed a home run. He also had three hits, including a double.

Trout said he has been feeling more like himself at the plate lately.

“It’s coming,” Trout said. “I feel a lot better than last week. Just being patient. Having good at-bats. Things will turn around.”

One thing that is going better for Trout is his health. He missed the All-Star Game with a thumb injury in 2017, a calf injury in 2021 and a back injury in 2022. The Angels have given him regular days off this season to keep him healthy. He has played 77 of the Angels’ 83 games, and the Angels are 6-1 in the games he’s missed. Nevin said he expects Trout to have fewer off days in the second half of the season because the schedule provides more breaks and also because they planned to save him for the stretch run.

“Me and Nev are on the same page,” Trout said. “If I was 22 or 23 again, I’d be fighting it. I know he’s got a plan and we both agreed on this during spring. Just to be out and try to play as many games as I can, give me time off when I need it. My body feels great right now.”

The rest of the All-Star rosters will be announced on Sunday. Angels infielder Brandon Drury and closer Carlos Estévez each have a chance to make the team.

Trout also said he’s already decided that he will not compete in the Home Run Derby. He has never done it, although he admitted that his 2-year-old son, Beckham, might eventually have a say in that.

“If he comes up to me and says ‘You better do it, I might have to think about it,’” Trout said. “He’s not there yet.”

DERBY FOR OHTANI?

Although Ohtani said after he pitched on Tuesday night that he hasn’t yet decided whether to compete in the Home Run Derby, Nevin hinted on Thursday that Ohtani had already made up his mind. Nevin also made his feelings clear on the event.

“I think he’s already said no to the Derby,” Nevin said. “I don’t know if he has or not. That would be one that I feel like takes a lot out of guys. … It’s fun to watch and all that, but I’ve just seen a lot of guys not bounce back from that very well. So whether he does or not, I mean, full support of him. I know he’s gonna be fine and take care of his body. It’s just those are some of the things that make me nervous. That’s all.”

Ohtani competed at the Derby in his first All-Star Game, in 2021 in Denver. After one round of high-intensity swings against a clock, Ohtani admitted he was exhausted. He declined to do it last year at Dodger Stadium.

In 2021, Ohtani also pitched in the game. Last year, he declined to pitch as well. It remains to be seen if he will even be selected as a pitcher this year.

NOTES

Third baseman Anthony Rendon (bruised wrist) did a workout on the field. He has been taking batting practice against the high-velocity pitching machine. Nevin said “we’re really close” to having Rendon play in a simulated game or a rehab assignment. …

Right-hander Sam Bachman had been exclusively a starter until he was called up earlier this month, so he still has not pitched on back-to-back days, but Nevin suggested the Angels are almost ready to try that. “Those days are coming,” he said.

UP NEXT

Diamondbacks (LHP Tommy Henry, 4-1, 4.31 ERA) at Angels (RHP Griffin Canning, 6-2, 3.99 ERA), Friday, 6:38 p.m., Apple TV+, 830 AM

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​ Orange County Register 

Two more victims identified in Long Beach crash that killed 5 people

• June 29, 2023

LONG BEACH — The final two people killed in the crash on the Long Beach (710) Freeway that left five dead were identified Wednesday by the medical examiner’s office.

The last two victims are Sebastian Peredia, presumed to be between 15-20 years old, and Eduardo Cruz, presumed to be about 19, the office said.

RELATED COVERAGE: At least 3 of 5 dead in 710 Freeway crash were Long Beach teenagers

The crash was reported at 4:12 a.m. Monday on the northbound freeway at the transition to the eastbound Artesia (91) Freeway, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Five of the six people in the car died, and the survivor was hospitalized with major injuries, the CHP reported.

On Monday, the medical examiner’s office identified two of the people who died as George Dobbs and Ariahh Slemaker, both 15. On Tuesday, the countymedical examiner identified 18-year-old Angel Gabriel Sextos of Long Beach.

It was unclear what caused the driver to crash, or if speed played a factor. CHP officials asked anyone who may have witnessed the crash to callinvestigators at 424-551-4000 or 323-259-3200.

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​ Orange County Register 

Angel City FC defeats rival San Diego Wave FC for its first Challenge Cup victory

• June 29, 2023

LOS ANGELES — The Angel City Football Club got off to a quick start in Wednesday night’s UKG NWSL Challenge Cup match. Make that an extremely quick start.

Madison Hammond opened the scoring with a second-minute goal against San Diego Wave FC, and Clarisse Le Bihan added a goal in the 18th minute for a two-goal halftime lead on their way to a 2-1 win in front of 13,648 at BMO Stadium.

“We work a lot on set pieces. We have a saying scrappy equals happy and I thought back to the last game against them when Paige Nielsen scored and I thought what if it deflects,” Hammond said.

The win also extends Angel City’s unbeaten streak to three matches – across league and Challenge Cup competition – since the firing of former coach Freya Coombe. It is also the second consecutive win this season for Angel City against its regional rival.

With the win, Angel City now has four points in the West Division for the Challenge Cup. Angel City has two Challenge Cup matches remaining (July 29 at home against the Thorns and Aug. 5 at San Diego). The top team in each of the three four-team divisions, along with the highest-finishing (on points) second-place team will advance to the semifinals in September.

“Coming out early was something that we were looking to do,” interim coach Becki Tweed said. “We’ve talked a lot about building our momentum from game to game and not letting any moment drop. The first two minutes showed that we wanted to continued with that momentum.”

Seattle-based OL Reign is in control of the West, moving to 10 points with its 1-0 victory over Portland on Wednesday.

The night wasn’t all easy for Angel City. San Diego cut the deficit in half on Danielle Colaprico’s goal in the 64th minute. It came at a time when Angel City was beginning to lose control of the match.

“It was a tough night for us,” San Diego coach Casey Stoney said. “I take full responsibility for our poor performance in the first half. I don’t think I gave them the best chance to be successful.”

Angel City could have increased its lead heading into halftime, but a shot by Hammond in the 38th minute hit the crossbar. Moments earlier, San Diego defender Mia Gyau came up with a goal-line clearance of a shot by Le Bihan that had got behind goalkeeper Shae Yanez and was headed toward the open net.

In the second half, Angel City had another shot hit the crossbar – this time from Jasmyne Spencer in the 57th minute.

Defenders Kelsey Hill and Elizabeth Eddy were both announced as new signings under the National Team Replacement Players provision. Eddy, who attended Newport Harbor High and USC, came on as a second-half substitute in the 65th minute. Hill, a Pepperdine alumnus, entered in the 77th minute.

Angel City returns to league play on Sunday with a road match against NY/NJ Gotham FC.

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​ Orange County Register