Alex Morgan returns for SD Wave vs. Angel City FC
Credit: Tammy Ryan/EVT Sports
Game: Angel City FC vs San Diego Wave FC
Where: BMO Stadium, Los Angeles
When: Thursday, May 23, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. PST
TV: CBS Sports Network
This Thursday, May 23, the San Diego Wave will play their 10th game in the 2024 NWSL regular season against Angel City FC at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.
San Diego has been dealing with some serious injury issues this season, but Alex Morgan and Jaedyn Shaw are back and available to play in this match.
Makenzy Doniak, Kennedy Wesley, and Christen Westphal are all out due to injuries, but the starting squad is pretty much healthy and ready to play. Casey Stoney was cautious with Naomi Girma and Abby Dahlkemper as they only played a half each in the Wave’s disappointing 2-1 loss to Bay FC. However, both should be able to start this match, giving the Wave experience and security in the backline.
An infantile error by goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan led to the 2-1 loss to Bay FC, but the offense also struggled to really test the waters in San Jose. The Wave has been terrible on the road, winless in four away games this season and now desperately need a win after a very disappointing result.
Finishing in front of net has been a massive problem for San Diego this season and the return of Alex Morgan can only help in this department. Morgan also bring some creativity that has been lacking at times for San Diego, with the attack being as inconsistent as it has.
Angel City are also in dire need of a victory, coming off a 4-2 loss to Washington Spirit and currently on a two-game losing streak. Claire Emslie is off to a fantastic start already, with five goals and two assists for the Los Angeles club. Emslie only scored three goals in 2023 but is now the heart of the attack for Angel City.
Angel City are also struggling with injuries and will have some major absences with Jun Endo, Christen Press and Sarah Gorden all out. Team captain Sarah Gorden is a huge loss in this rivalry match, as she is one of the best defenders in NWSL.
Both teams have been relatively inconsistent this season, as this is set to be a very hard-fought match at BMO Stadium.
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.