Angel City FC and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) are set to welcome back one of their most electrifying talents, Jun Endo, following what has been a long and arduous journey of recovery from a significant injury. The dynamic Japanese international is a player who consistently offers her club a unique blend of technical mastery, speed, and creative flair, making her a crucial asset on the field.
What Jun Endo Offers Angel City FC and the NWSL:
Endo, who has been with Angel City FC since its inaugural 2022 season, quickly became a fan favorite. Her contributions include assisting the club’s first goal and scoring the second regular-season goal in club history during their debut match on April 29, 2022. She has appeared in 47 matches across all competitions for Angel City, tallying four goals and six assists.
A “valuable left-footed player”, Endo is known for her speed-driven dribbling that can dissect defences. Her ability to create space with quick cuts using the outside of her foot is a key skill. She can also deliver precise crosses and penetrate the penalty area with sharp movements. Her style of play is characterized by “mastery of technique”, which she honed in challenging circumstances after the Fukushima disaster.
Angel City’s General Manager, Angela Hucles Mangano, highlighted Endo’s “commitment and dedication” and her on-field contributions as vital for the club’s sporting goals. In the NWSL, Endo’s technical skill and unique style provide a strong counterpoint to the league’s physical play, and her presence helps to elevate the women’s game.
Her Arduous Road to Recovery:
Endo’s journey back to the pitch has truly tested her resilience. In February 2024, she sustained a season-ending left anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during Angel City’s preseason training camp in Melbourne, Florida. This significant setback meant she would miss the entire 2024 season.
This wasn’t her first major injury challenge. In 2023, just two months before the FIFA Women’s World Cup, she suffered a medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain. Despite the severe injury and tight recovery timeline of only five weeks to join the national team training camp, Endo’s determination and discipline were paramount in her recovery. She underwent bracing, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, and intensive physical therapy, working tirelessly to rebuild joint stability.
Mentally, it was a “rollercoaster,” but she “never quit” and trusted the process, relying on support from her family, partner, and Angel City’s training staff. She ultimately made the 2023 World Cup roster and performed exceptionally well, recording a goal and two assists, despite being on crutches just a month and a half prior. This past experience underscored the importance of mentality for her recovery.
For the ACL injury, Endo stated on her Instagram that she had “returned after 1 year and 4 months”. The club confirmed she worked “tirelessly” throughout her rehabilitation, with her determination to play for herself, teammates, and fans being a daily motivator.
A Triumphant Return:
In a moment of significant celebration for Angel City FC fans, Jun Endo was officially removed from the NWSL’s season-ending injury list on June 7, 2025. This announcement meant she was available for selection for the club’s match against Chicago Stars FC, marking her long-awaited return to the gameday roster. While she didn’t appear in that specific game, her presence on the bench symbolized the culmination of her immense effort and the dedication of the medical team.
Her return is a cause for excitement for both the club and its supporters. Endo herself expressed her joy at staying with Angel City, stating, “As I rehab my injury, I’m motivated by knowing I will play again for the amazing fans at BMO Stadium. I still look forward to game days, even when I can’t be on the pitch. Now that I am staying with the club, I dream of the day I get to play for the fans and I can’t wait to be on the pitch with my teammates. The cheers and love will get me there. It will take a little longer, but the pink hair is coming back!”. General Manager Angela Hucles Mangano conveyed the club’s excitement for Endo to continue her professional journey with Angel City, noting her commitment and what she brings on the field are essential for achieving their sporting goals.
Fans eagerly anticipate her return to action, with many thrilled to see her back on the pitch and “pulling the strings in the midfield again”. Her comeback is expected to expand Angel City’s attacking options and significantly boost team morale. For the Japan Women’s National Team, her return is also highly anticipated, as her unique quality and ability to break through defenses could make her an indispensable part of the team once more. Her spirit and undeterred nature, evident in her past recoveries, suggest she will make a big impact soon.
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