SAN DIEGO, Calif. (July 25, 2022) – San Diego Wave Fútbol Club has announced a trade with Portland Thorns FC, receiving defender Madison Pogarch in exchange for defender Tegan McGrady. Pogarch joins San Diego Wave FC and will be available for the team’s August 7 home match against Kansas City Current.
“Bringing in Pogarch will add so much value to our current roster both on the field and in our environment. Po, as she is known, arrives here with such glowing character references from those that have played and worked with her. I’m excited to see what she can add to our environment.”
Casey Stoney, San Diego Wave FC Head Coach
Pogarch signed her first professional contract with Portland Thorns FC in 2019 after a noteworthy collegiate career with Central Michigan University and Rutgers University. Throughout her four seasons with Thorns FC, the Michigan native saw her minutes and starts increase, as well as steadily improving defensive statistics throughout the years. Thus far in 2022, Pogarch has played 10 matches for Thorns FC and recorded 10 clearances, seven interceptions and two blocks from the back line.
Wave FC’s newest defender also brings international experience after being called up to the U-23 United States Women’s National Team in August 2019 for the 2019 Nordic Tournament.
“On behalf of the club, I thank Tegan for everything she has done for San Diego Wave FC in her time here. As part of our inaugural roster, Tegan made an impact on and off the field and she’ll always be part of the Wave family.”
Molly Downtain, San Diego Wave General Manager
McGrady departs San Diego Wave FC with 10 matches played and nine starts. Previous to joining the club, McGrady started her professional career with the Washington Spirit as the seventh overall pick in the 2019 NWSL College Draft. After three seasons, San Diego acquired McGrady in a trade with the Spirit in 2022.
San Diego Wave FC travels to face the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday, July 30, in a top-two NWSL standings clash. Wave FC’s next home match at Torero Stadium is on Sunday, Aug. 7 versus the Kansas City Current with tickets on sale now at sandiegowavefc.com/tickets.
San Diego Wave FC continues to fight for a playoff spot in its inaugural season and has sat consistently on top of the NWSL standings since Week One with a record of 6-3-4 (W-L-D). Forward Alex Morgan leads the league in the Golden Boot race with 11 goals in 10 regular-season matches, a single-season career best for the Southern California native. The club looks forward to playing in the new state-of-the-art Snapdragon Stadium in a historic opening match on Saturday, Sept. 17 with single-game tickets available now.
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.
