Gilles says investors are easy to recognize in home games.
“The majority of big names are at our party at home, day in and day out, and front and center, right at the bank in the painting they’re screaming with their family or at the drum-beaten support section… It’s great to see it. Not just the money speak, but they are really invested in seeing this club do what it has to do.”
Angel City’s mission will be to be more than just a football club, seeking to elevate sport and women’s function as a platform for equality.
Gilles joined Angel City last December, signing a one-year contract with the option of an additional year, with the transfer of FC Girondins of Bordeaux.
At the time, Angel City’s sporting director Eni Aluko called Gilles “one of the world’s premier defenders.”
“It’s a completely new experience for me, because I’ve never played in the NWSL and I’ve never been on an expansion team,” Gilles said. “It’s just settling in and being part of the club’s inception and being there to set the standards, set the culture and whatnot has been a learning curve and a rich and safe experience.
“But no complaints. I think this club is the perfect club for me for my next step after Burgundy mentally, emotionally, on and off the pitch. That’s what I needed. It’s bigger than just winning the game, which is always fun. But setting new standards, promoting the new status quo is fun too.”
The team has been a success so far, averaging over 18,000 for home games at California’s Bangang Stadium, which is also home to MLS team Los Angeles FC.
“They’re amazing,” Gilles said of the Angel City followers. “They’re tough, they’re proud and it’s a pleasure to play in front of them.”
Tennis used to be Gilles’ game, but he quit at the age of 15, joining his high school football team at the age of 16 as a goalkeeper. That is not.