From creating history on the pitch to shattering NWSL attendance records, San Diego Wave FC’s inaugural success was unparalleled for an expansion team.

As Wave FC gears up for its first full season at Snapdragon Stadium, take a trip down memory lane with the top five moments from the 2022 Inaugural Season.

Record-Shattering Snapdragon Season Opener

The Wave defeated Angel City FC 1-0 in front of a historic crowd at Snapdragon Stadium on September 17th. With over 32,000 fans in the stands, rookie Jaedyn Shaw scored the game-winning goal in the 30th minute with a header to defeat the local rival.

End of Year Awards Domination

In October, the NWSL announced its End of Year awards, and San Diego made a splash across the board. Five of the top six awards in the league were presented to San Diego Wave players and head coach. Additionally, Sheridan, Girma and Morgan all earned a spot on the 2022 NWSL Best XI First Team.

First-Ever Playoff Win

In October, San Diego Wave FC punched its ticket to the NWSL Semifinals with its first-ever playoff win, a 2-1 triumph over the Chicago Red Stars at Snapdragon Stadium.

With a crowd of 26,215 that night, the San Diego Wave now holds the NWSL Playoff attendance record in addition to the NWSL regular-season record of 32,000 broken on Sept. 17.

After an early goal from the Red Stars in the 10th minute, Wave FC fought back to win with a shot from Emily van Egmond in the 67th minute and the game-winner from Alex Morgan in overtime.

Signing Jaedyn Shaw Followed by Shining Debut

In July, San Diego signed Jaedyn Shaw, a 17-year-old standout, from the NWSL Discovery Process. Less than two weeks later, Shaw started in Wave FC’s road match versus the Chicago Red Stars and made an immediate impact on her professional NWSL debut, scoring the game-winning goal with a cool and confident finish. With her goal, the rising star made history as the youngest player to score on an NWSL debut.

U.S. Youth Soccer later recognized Shaw’s successful rookie season by naming her Young Female Player of the Year.

Community Partnership with United Women of East Africa

Rookie standout Naomi Girma served as an ambassador for the 2022 Nationwide Community Impact Program this season where she partnered with the United Women of East Africa. Through this season-long initiative, Girma mentored young women from similar cultural backgrounds and provided a safe place to address mental health issues.

“It is really important to me to give back… and to be a role model and represent what a kid’s dream was.”

Naomi Girma, San Diego Wave FC Defender

The United Women of East Africa then came out to a Wave game on Sept. 30 to support Girma and to be honored on the field.

San Diego will kick off its 2023 NWSL preseason this Monday, Feb. 6. Fans can secure a seat to all of the Wave’s home matches at Snapdragon Stadium by purchasing a season ticket for the 2023 campaign.

SECURE YOUR 2023 SEASON TICKETS TODAY