Wave FC erases two-goal deficit in 2-2 draw to earn first-ever playoff berth as an expansion team
SAN DIEGO, Calif. (September 25, 2022) – San Diego Wave Fútbol Club (10-6-4, W-L-D) fought back from a two-goal deficit this evening to earn a point against Orlando Pride (5-9-6) in a historic night for the club. With the 2-2 draw, San Diego Wave FC clinched a spot in the 2022 NWSL Playoffs and became the first-ever expansion team to earn a playoff berth in their inaugural season.
The hosts scored tonight’s first two goals, starting in the 33rd minute, with Meggie Dougherty Howard finding space to Kailen Sheridan’s right. Orlando Pride then doubled their score in the 68th minute off a header by Gunny Jónsdóttir off a cross into the box.
Wave FC battled hard through both halves to get on the board, with Sofia Jakobsson and Katie Johnson bringing two of tonight’s best chances. Finally, Makenzy Doniak kept the fight alive for San Diego, scoring her third goal of the season in the 76th minute. After receiving the ball off a cross from Kelsey Turnbow, Doniak headed an impressive shot into the net from the center of the box.
An 87th-minute equalizer from Taylor Kornieck then sealed a point and a playoff berth for Wave FC as she scored against her former team following a set piece situation. Two late-game goals tonight helped San Diego clinch its first-ever playoff spot, and the team now turns focus to its final match of the regular season.
Notably, with three saves recorded tonight, goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan surpassed her 400th NWSL career save. Sheridan ranks fourth in the NWSL’s all-time list for saves. Despite going down early, center back and captain Abby Dahlkemper also reached a milestone, her 10,000th regular season minute in the NWSL.
With a playoff spot in hand, Wave FC returns home to Snapdragon Stadium on Friday, Sept. 30, to face-off against the North Carolina Courage. Tickets for San Diego’s final home match are on sale now at www.sandiegowavefc.com/tickets.
About San Diego Wave Fútbol Club
San Diego Wave Fútbol Club is the 12th and newest member of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The club’s vision is to be a force for good through the game we love and is led by President Jill Ellis, former head coach of the US Women’s National Team (USWNT) and two-time World Cup champion. Together with Head Coach Casey Stoney, the club will bring the highest level of world-class, professional soccer to San Diego. USWNT standouts Alex Morgan and Abby Dahlkemper were two of the first players signed to the club that consists of athletes representing six international soccer federations, including US, Mexico, Canada, Sweden, England and Australia. The team began its inaugural season at a temporary home, University of San Diego’s Torero Stadium. The new Snapdragon Stadium will serve as Wave FC’s permanent home upon completion of construction, scheduled for September 17, 2022 as the team takes on Angel City FC.
