Commentary: Can't even say her name? Angel City handled Alyssa Thompson transfer in odd way

Angel City coach Alexander Straus refused to say Alyssa Thompson’s name after her transfer to Chelsea.

The club’s reluctance to facilitate Thompson’s move could damage its reputation with ambitious young players.

Angel City likely was very concerned about how fans would react to their star player leaving.

It was a moment that should have been celebrated on both sides of the Atlantic. What could prove to be the most expensive transfer in women’s soccer history — and already is the largest outgoing transfer in NWSL history — had sent Alyssa Thompson from Angel City and the NWSL to Chelsea of England’s Women’s Super League .

It was a monumental deal, one that could come to define Thompson’s career and help repair Angel City’s brand as a rich club that has mostly bumbled its way thro