Wave FC’s next match is on Sunday, August 7 vs. Kansas City Current at Torero Stadium
CHICAGO, Illinois. (July 30, 2022) – It was an eventful night in the Windy City on Saturday evening as the San Diego Wave Fútbol Club (7-3-4) battled the Chicago Red Stars (5-3-5) at Soldier Field. With a final score of 1-0, San Diego Wave FC handed Chicago its first defeat at home since the 2021 NWSL season.
With her family in the stands to witness the moment, 17-year-old Jaedyn Shaw started in tonight’s match and made an immediate impact on her professional NWSL debut, scoring the game-winning goal with a cool and confident finish.
Thirteen days after signing with the club, Shaw became the second-youngest player to compete in NWSL at the age of 17 years, eight months. With her goal tonight, the rising star made history as the youngest player to score on an NWSL debut.
Shaw’s clinical first-half goal in the 28th minute was the deciding factor tonight for San Diego, followed by impressive defending the rest of the match from the entire Wave FC squad. Forward Katie Johnson showcased her match awareness with a smart assist to Shaw’s debut goal, unselfishly passing the ball across the box to find the rookie.
In the 59th minute, captain Abby Dahlkemper earned a second yellow, forcing San Diego to continue for 30 minutes with just 10 players. Wave FC stepped up to the occasion and held off any pressure from the Red Stars to keep their 1-0 lead.
In the 81st minute, the Red Stars earned a penalty kick which Mallory Pugh stood over for a chance to tie up the score line. Goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan was up for the challenge and dove correctly to her left, sending the team into celebration and preserving San Diego’s lead.
Statistically, Chicago led the attack tonight with 20 shots to Wave FC’s nine, but San Diego relieved the home side’s pressure time after time. Center back Naomi Girma played incredibly for her first match back since the Concacaf W Championship, shutting down Chicago’s charge numerous times throughout the 90 minutes.
After earning three points tonight, Wave FC now returns to Torero Stadium on Sunday, Aug. 7 to battle the Kansas City Current at 2 p.m. PT. That night, as part of the 2022 Nationwide Community Impact Program, Wave FC will recognize the United Women of East Africa (UWEAST) in a pre-game ceremony on-field. San Diego defender Naomi Girma will help present UWEAST with a Nationwide donation check to kick off the season-long community partnership.
With just three matches left at Torero Stadium, San Diego Wave FC looks forward to its home opener at the new state-of-the-art Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday, September 17. San Diego Wave FC intends to shatter the NWSL attendance record in the 32,000-seat stadium as they take on Southern California-rival Angel City FC at 7 p.m. PT. Tickets for Snapdragon Stadium and all of Wave FC’s remaining home matches at Torero Stadium can be found here.
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.
