The San Diego Wave recorded its first victory in franchise history last Saturday by defeating Angel City FC, 4-2, in a National Women’s Soccer League Challenge Cup group stage match at Torero Stadium. A crowd of 5,158 witnessed the history-making event.
The win raised the fledgling Wave’s record in the preseason tournament to 1-1-1 while Angel City, based in the Los Angeles area, saw its record drop to 0-3-1.
The Wave improved its position in the Group B standings to third place with four points — trailing both the OL Reign (2-1-0) and Portland Thorns (2-1-1), both with seven points. Angel City sits in last place in the four-team group with one standing point.
The Wave led 2-1 at halftime on goals by Jodie Taylor (19th minute) and Team USA veteran Alex Morgan (45th minute plus stoppage time). Angel City had tied the match in the 38th minute on an own goal by the Wave.
The second half featured additional tallies by Morgan (72nd minute) and Amirah Ali (81st minute) for the Wave to snap a 2-2 deadlock after the visitors had tied the match in the 59th minute on a goal by Christen Press.
Statistically, the Wave enjoyed a wide margin in shots (23-11) and shots on target (11-6). Angel City, however, owned the edge in possession (54 percent) and pass accuracy (72 percent), The hosts received three yellow caution cards.
Wave head coach Casey Stoney said she was “overcome with pride” by the team’s performance in gathering its first victory in club history.
“I thought it showed real character (in breaking the two ties),” she said. “Quality players showed their quality on the pitch.”
The Wave returns to Challenge Cup action April 14 in Seattle against the Reign and plays at Portland on April 17 before hosting the Reign April 23 to conclude group play.
All 12 NWSL clubs, split evenly into three four-team groups, are participating in the Challenge Cup. Four teams advance to the semifinal playoffs on May 4. The championship game is scheduled May 7.
Portland won last year’s Challenge Cup tournament.
