Defender returns to Wave FC on a two-year deal with option
SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Jan. 5, 2022) – San Diego Wave Fútbol Club has announced the return of defender Madison Pogarch through the 2023 NWSL season with a mutual option for 2024.
“I’m really pleased that Po has decided to re-sign with the club. She was a fantastic addition at the end of last season. She added so much value in the locker room, on the training field and on match day, so I’m excited to work with her moving forward and see what we can achieve together.”
Casey Stoney, San Diego Wave FC Head Coach
Pogarch came to San Diego Wave FC in July 2022 through a trade with Portland Thorns FC. Since joining Wave FC, Pogarch played eight matches and made three starts. During her entire 2022 NWSL season, Pogarch recorded 19 clearances, nine interceptions and five blocks with an 80% tackle success rate.
The defender signed her first professional contract with Portland Thorns FC in 2019, where she saw her minutes and starts increase, as well as steadily improving defensive statistics throughout the years.
In a noteworthy collegiate career with Central Michigan University and Rutgers University, Pogarch scored three goals and recorded 12 assists from the back line. She also earned numerous accolades, like first-team All-MAC honors and Academic All-MAC, and was named team MVP two years in a row, in 2016 and 2017.
The defender also brings international experience from the U-23 United States Women’s National Team after being called up for the 2019 Nordic Tournament in August 2019.
“I’m so excited to be coming back to San Diego. I think the foundation that was built last year is going to be so fun to build upon, and I can’t wait to chase championships again with this team and see what kinds of waves we can make in 2023.”
Madison Pogarch, San Diego Wave FC Defender
Pogarch joins a roster of 20 players ahead of Wave FC’s second NWSL season:
Goalkeepers: Kailen Sheridan, Carly Telford
Forwards: Amirah Ali, Makenzy Doniak, Rachel Hill, Sofia Jakobsson, Alex Morgan, Jaedyn Shaw
Midfielders: Belle Briede, Danielle Colaprico, Taylor Kornieck, Kristen McNabb, Kelsey Turnbow, Emily Van Egmond
Defenders: Abby Dahlkemper, Mia Gyau, Naomi Girma, Madison Pogarch, Kaleigh Riehl, Christen Westphal
Be there for every moment of Wave FC’s 2023 campaign with Season Tickets. Season Ticket members enjoy a one-of-a-kind game day experience at the new Snapdragon Stadium with an array of benefits like exclusive events, gifts, discounts and more. Supporters should stay tuned on club social media and at sandiegowavefc.com for additional player updates and information on the upcoming season.
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 of football 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 is bringing 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, which consists of athletes representing five international soccer federations, including the US, Canada, Sweden, England and Australia. The new Snapdragon stadium serves as Wave FC’s permanent home, where San Diego broke the record for both the NWSL Playoff attendance record and the NWSL regular-season record, with 26,215 and 32,000 fans. Wave FC also made history in 2022 as the first expansion team to make the playoffs before advancing to the NWSL Semi-Final. Learn more about the club and players at www.SanDiegoWaveFC.com.
