Wave FC returns to first place with win in Portland
PORTLAND, Oregon (August 27, 2022) – San Diego Wave Fútbol Club (9-5-4) took down Portland Thorns FC (7-3-7) tonight 2-0 with an impressive performance at Providence Park. A two-goal first half by Kristen McNabb and Alex Morgan led to all three points in Portland as San Diego Wave FC retakes first place in the NWSL standings.
Amirah Ali won the ball from Portland and started the play that led to San Diego Wave FC’s opening goal in the 17th minute. After receiving the ball from Ali, Wave FC fought hard to keep the ball in possession inside the box, and eventually, defender Kristen McNabb scored her second goal of the season from outside the box.
In the 42nd minute, Kailen Sheridan rocketed the ball to Taylor Kornieck who flicked it on to Alex Morgan. Morgan took advantage of the space given to her and went one-on-one with the Portland keeper to score her 13th goal of the season. Notably, Kornieck also assisted Morgan’s 50th NWSL goal last weekend against the Houston Dash.
Wave FC entered the half at a 2-0 advantage and fought to keep the lead, ultimately taking all three points tonight against a difficult Portland side. With tonight’s result, goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan earned her 20th NWSL career shutout and became the 7th player to reach this milestone.
San Diego Wave FC continues its road stretch against the Washington Spirit on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 2 p.m. PT before returning home to open the new state-of-the-art Snapdragon stadium on Saturday, Sept. 17. Announced on Tuesday, San Diego Wave FC has officially sold more tickets than the NWSL attendance record for a single game with over 27,000 tickets sold for September 17. With 3 weeks left until the historic home opener against Angel City FC, the club now sets its sights on shattering the record with a complete sell out of Snapdragon stadium.
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.
