Top of the table Wave FC suffers only their second loss of the season
WAVE FC POST-MATCH RECAP AND QUOTES
Sunday, May 29, 2022 vs. OL Reign | Seattle, WA
Photos & Zoom Recording Available HERE
Please credit “USA Today”
Game Highlights HERE
SEATTLE, Wash. (May 29, 2022) – Momentum swung back and forth Sunday afternoon in Washington, but it was a Rose Lavelle diving header in the 75th minute that was the deciding factor as OL Reign (2-1-3) defeated San Diego Wave Fútbol Club (4-2-0) 1-0 at Lumen Field.
The game-winning goal came off the foot of Sofia Huerta, who swung the set-piece ball into the box and saw Lavelle make a spectacular head-first dive to her right while heading the ball back towards the left post. Wave FC goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan, who made three saves on OL Reign’s 14 shots, made an impressive lunging effort in an attempt to stop the arcing header, but saw the ball sail just over her outstretched hand and into the net.
San Diego, who entered the match ranking second in the league in goals scored and tied for second in total shots, mustered a season-low six shots and was shutout for only the second time this season. They held the advantage in corner kicks earned, five to one, as well as possession (54.5% to 45.5) and total passes (451 to 376), but couldn’t turn their numerous scoring opportunities into goals.
Despite the loss, expansion San Diego remains atop the NWSL table with 12 points in hand through their first six matches. They return to action on June 4th when they travel to take on Kansas City Current, who currently are winless through their first five matches (0-4-1). The match is scheduled for a 5:30pm PT kick next Saturday from Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas and can be streamed on Paramount+.
Wave FC Goals: None
OL Reign Goals: Rose Lavelle (75’, assisted by Sofia Huerta)
Misconduct Summary
Wave FC: Tegan McGrady (Yellow 71’)
OL Reign: Sam Hiatt (Yellow 24’)
Wave FC starting lineup
Goalkeeper: Kailen Sheridan
Defenders: Tegan McGrady, Naomi Girma, Kaleigh Riehl, Christen Westphal
Midfielders: Kristen McNabb, Emily van Egmond, Taylor Kornieck
Forwards: Alex Morgan [c], Jodie Taylor, Sofia Jakobsson
Subs Used: Amirah Ali, Kelsey Turnbow, Marleen Schimmer
SD Wave head coach Casey Stoney:
On the 0-1 result against OL Reign
“I actually thought for large periods of the game, we controlled it. Albeit, we didn’t really create enough chances with the amount of control we had. Obviously, it was their set peace that outdid us. Listen, there were so many positives to take in terms of the way we retained the ball. We need to work on ball retention purposes, and work on set pieces as well to make sure we continue to pick up points.”
On OL Reign’s 4 straight shutouts
“They’re a good team. We knew coming here that we would get minimal chances. We knew set pieces would be crucial for us as well. They have a really good defensive structure and minimized what we were able to do to hurt them.”
SD Wave forward Jodie Taylor:
On the 0-1 loss against OL Reign
“It is disappointing to lose. Reign is a good side, but it is disappointing to concede the free kick they scored off of. We were hoping to have gotten something [points] on the road. It was not a bad performance, but it was not a great performance by us.”
On road matches in NWSL
“Games are always difficult on the road in this league. It is a lot of travel, and we have been on the road quite a bit recently. It is about game management when you are away, and seeing what that looks like on different surfaces/fields. Today we were on turf, in different weather, but that is the challenge that everybody faces in this league. We have done relatively well considering we have had multiple road matches, we had a big win last week in North Carolina, and though it was disappointing today, we’ll move into next week and hopefully get three points on the road against Kansas City.”
On the goal conceded
“It was disappointing to give up a soft foul. We did not necessarily need to make the foul they scored off of. It was a great goal by Rose [Lavelle], I do not take that away from her at all, but the game has its fine margins and it’s just disappointing to concede a set piece goal.”
SD Wave midfielder Kristen McNabb:
On the 0-1 loss against OL Reign
“It was just okay [the performance] by us. We need to be better on the road and be more ruthless. We do not have to win pretty every time. Travelling is never easy. We come up each week against different teams that play different systems and have different threats, and adapting is never easy, but we need to find ways to grit it out and not give up goals, especially set piece goals.”
On OL Reign’s Impressive Defense
“They are all good players. They are all very athletic, good 1v1 defenders, and a solid line left to right. However, we can do better at connecting between the lines and finding meaningful attacks. We had chances, but I am not sure the quality of chances were there. As a team, overall, we can be more dangerous.”
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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 will begin play during its inaugural season at its 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 2022. Learn more about the club and players at www.SanDiegoWaveFC.com.
