The San Diego Wave picked up a huge win at Red Bull Arena against Gotham FC this Sunday, June 4, as the Southern California team defeated Gotham by a score of 1-0.

This was expected to be a very tough match for the Wave heading into the clash, with San Diego coming from a significant 3-0 loss to OL Reign in the Challenge Cup.

However, in league play, the Wave were on a three-game undefeated streak with a two-game winning streak on the road as well. Casey Stoney’s only change to her lineup from the last league game against Portland was giving Taylor Kornieck her first league start since recovering from an injury.

The first half of the game was a quiet one, as neither team had a shot on target in the opening 45 minutes of the match. The Wave played an excellent defensive game in the first half led by Naomi Girma, but the attack only managed to get one shot.

Casey Stoney made the perfect changes at halftime, bringing on Makenzy Doniak and Jaedyn Shaw for Taylor Kornieck and Rachel Hill. Immediately as the second half began, Shaw and Doniak linked up to open the scoring at Red Bull Arena. Shaw gave a very long pass from almost the exact middle of the field to Doniak, who was able to beat out Jenna Nighswonger with her speed and round the goalkeeper Abby Smith to bury the opportunity.

That turned out to be the only goal of the match, as Abby Smith thwarted all other scoring opportunities for the Wave, and Kailen Sheridan, along with San Diego’s backline, did the same against Gotham. It really was a magnificent defensive effort by San Diego in this match to stop Lynn Williams and company.

shaw to doniak FORTY FIVE SECONDS after subbing on

game changers ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/dG3PxRLF5k

— San Diego Wave FC (@sandiegowavefc) June 4, 2023

Naomi Girma had an excellent match as she finished it with six clearances, two blocked shots, and two tackles. Kailen Sheridan was able to keep another clean sheet with three saves in the match to earn her fifth clean sheet in all competitions this year with the Wave.

This was an excellent match by Casey Stoney, as she was able to make the perfect substitutions to spark the offense. The win is a massive one, extending the Wave’s undefeated streak in league play to four games and their road-winning streak to three games.

San Diego will stay on the road for their next match, facing Racing Louisville at Lynn Family Stadium this Friday, June 9. The Wave is now tied in points with first-place Portland Thorns with 19 points and is only behind on goal differential to gain the top spot in the NWSL.

Francisco Velasco

Francisco, 26, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego Loyal, San Diego Wave.