The San Diego Wave began its 2025 NWSL regular season campaign this Sunday, March 16, against Angel City FC at BMO Stadium.

This is a very new-look team for San Diego, as only three players from the 2024 season-opener were in today’s lineup.

New head coach Jonas Eidevall went with a very offensive setup that included a midfield of Savannah McCaskill and Kenza Dali. The attack consisted of Maria Sanchez, Kyra Carusa, Delphine Cascarino, and new signing Gia Corley.

Kailen Sheridan wore the captain’s armband in net and she played her usual impactful role in this match.

Angel City FC is also going through a transitional phase with a very young team and interim head coach Sam Laity. This was definitely noticeable in the match as the Wave were very dominant in the opening 45 minutes with 63 percent possession.

GIA JUST FIVE MINUTES INTO THE SEASON pic.twitter.com/JlQznQFrn5

— San Diego Wave FC (@sandiegowavefc) March 16, 2025

San Diego only had one shot on target in the first half, but it was the first goal of the game scored by Gia Corley. Delphine Cascarino provided a cross into the box that Corely was able to get to and put in the back of the net. The German forward scored her first-ever NWSL goal, and it was an important goal that really set the tone for the first half in just the fifth minute.

Angel City had a few scoring opportunities in the half but was denied by Kailen Sheridan, who continues to be one of the best goalkeepers in the league. The Canadian shot-stopper had a very nice stop on a shot by Clair Emslie and also was able to stop Alyssa Thompson on a one-on-one opportunity.

The second half was less exciting than the first half, with clearer scoring opportunities in the first 45. Angel City had a nice start to the second half and Alyssa Thompson was able to tie the game up in the 54th minute.

The Wave’s backline was left vulnerable on a counterattack, and Thompson used her speed to burst through and get a shot inside the box. After that goal, the game really lost momentum with not much chance creation for either team.

This move by Angel City

Alyssa Thompson finishes the chance! pic.twitter.com/ydaseXR0hY

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 17, 2025

Adriana Leon came on to make her Wave debut in the 65th minute, replacing Kyra Carusa. Leon was doubtful for the match but ended up getting some minutes. The Canadian international was unable to do much in the attack as she still settles in with her new team.

Makenzy Robbe, Kimmi Ascanio, and Melanie Barcenas all came on in the 72nd minute for Gia Corley, Maria Sanchez, and Delphine Cascarino. Despite some nice play between Barcenas and the offense, the Wave or Angel City just was not effective in this second half.

Delphine Cascarino was arguably the best offensive player in the game for San Diego, really generating a lot of opportunities. However, Kailen Sheridan was arguably the most vital player in the match for San Diego with her efforts in the first half.

Jonas Eidevall opens the season with a point away from home and will now look for a better result against Utah at Snapdragon Stadium.

Francisco Velasco

Francisco, 28, 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 FC, San Diego Wave. I have covered Liga MX, MLS, Mexico National Team, USWNT, Copa América and European clubs like Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund.