The fireworks were on the field in the San Diego Wave FC’s 2-0 win over defending National Women’s Soccer League champion Gotham FC Saturday, July 4, at Snapdragon Stadium.
The star-spangled victory in front of 10, 592 fans allowed the Wave to remain in first place in the standings with a record of nine wins, four losses and one tie for a league best 28 points.
The San Diegans remain one standing point ahead of the runner-up Portland Thorns (8-3-3, 27 points) and three points ahead of the next three teams: Washington Spirit (7-2-3, 24 points), Utah Royals (7-3-3, 24 points) and 8-5-0 (KC Current, 24 points).
The Wave took a 1-0 lead on a long booming shot by Melanie Barcenas just before the end of their first half, assisted by Kennedy Wesley.
The goal was the third of the season for the 18-year-old Barcenas while the assist was the first for Wesley in her professional career.
The San Diego defense held Gotham scoreless throughout the match, adding an insurance goal in the closing minutes by Trinity Byars, to snap the visitors’ six-match unbeaten streak.
On the game-clinching goal, Tatum Wynalda, daughter of U.S. National Soccer Hall of Famer Eric Wynalda, applied pressure on NY/NJ goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger with Githam attempting to push up for the equalizer. Wynalda intercepted a pass and pushed the ball to rookie Lia Godfrey, who then quickly played a through pass to an onrushing Byars.
The goal was Byars’ fourth of the season.
Goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo made her NWSL debut for the Wave, which secured its fourth clean sheet of the year.
Team depth remains a strong point for the Wave. San Diego has scored six goals from substitutes this season, the most of any team in the NWSL. The Wave has scored seven goals in the final 15 minutes of the second half this season, the most of any club in the league.
Gotham saw its record dip to 7-3-3 (21 points) to occupy seventh place in the 16-team table. The top eight teams in the regular season standings qualify for the playoffs.
San Diego remains at home for its next match Saturday at 5:45 p.m. against the Angel City FC (5-6-1, 16 points).
The Wave will play at Kansas City on Friday, July 17, then host the Seattle Reign on Pride Night on July 26, 2 p.m. kickoff.
