Cook scores twice and the Red Stars down Angel City

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ava Cook scored a pair of first-half goals and the Chicago Red Stars defeated Angel City 2-1 in the National Women's Soccer League on Monday night.

Cook scored on a header in the 16th minute and then added another goal in the 27th for Chicago, which had lost seven straight road games dating back to last season. It was Cook's first career brace.

Chicago (3-6-1) was coming off a 1-0 victory last weekend over the Orlando Pride, which stopped a three-game losing streak. The Red Stars have conceded a league-worst 23 goals.

Sydney Leroux, who made her season debut after an ankle injury that required surgery, scored in the 88th minute off a cross from Alyssa Thompson to pull Angel City within a goal.

It was Leroux's first goal since May 2022 and her 40th career NWSL goal.

Angel City (2-5-3) hasn't won in four straight matches to fall to 11th in the league standings. It was the team's fifth loss at home this season.

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