The San Diego Wave played Portland Thorns at Providence Park this Friday, July 5, in Paul Buckle’s second match in charge of the team after Casey Stoney’s departure.

The Wave lost 3-0 against Chicago Red Stars in Buckle’s first game in charge as interim coach and were unable to even score in his second game at the helm.

San Diego Wave is dealing with several problems on and off the pitch and is currently on a nine-game winless streak after this match. The Wave had more possession in the match, but the lingering problem of finishing goalscoring opportunities was still very present in this game.

There was a very close call with a goal by Alex Morgan that was ruled offiside, but that is just about as close as the Wave was to scoring in this match. The call did not go to a VAR decision in what was a controversial call that had the potential to change the trajectory of the match. Paul Buckle expressed in the post-game press conference that he did not believe the goal was offside.

Alex Morgan with THE chance but ruled offside! pic.twitter.com/CL7xAO7CA6

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) July 6, 2024

With less possession, Portland was able to generate plenty of offensive play, but Kailen Sheridan had to be very busy with seven saves in the match. Portland’s persistence paid off in the 85th minute when Izzy D’Aquila scored from a shot inside of the penalty area off a cross by Janine Beckie.

That goal turned out to be the difference maker in what was another highly frustrating result for the Wave in this horrendous run of form. San Diego will have the opportunity to try and turn things around with a break that will last until July 20, when the club begins its participation in the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup against Bay FC at Torero Stadium.

The San Diego Wave have a number of issues to confront including finding a permanent solution to the head coach job that has left a very notable void by Casey Stoney. There is no easy fix to any of the current issues with the club, but perhaps the break will serve to try and find solutions to these problems.

The NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup will feature a very notable game against Club America on July 26 at Snapdragon Stadium, which has the potential to be very interesting.

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.