San Diego Wave face Orlando Pride away in Week 4
Credit: San Diego Wave FC
Game: Orlando Pride vs. Orlando Pride
Where: Inter & Co Stadium, Orlando, Florida
When: Friday, April 19, 2024
Time: 5:00 p.m. PST
TV: Prime Video
San Diego Wave will play their fourth game in the 2024 NWSL regular season against Orlando Pride at Inter & Co Stadium this Friday, April 19.
The Wave are coming off a hard-fought scoreless draw against Racing Louisville, in a game where San Diego really struggled in the final third.
In the second half of that match, the Wave were unable to get a shot on target, as the offense has been very inconsistent to start the season when it comes to finishing and executing that final touch. Casey Stoney’s team has failed to score more than one goal in a game this year and really need to turn that around quickly.
The defense has been outstanding so far, but Naomi Girma missed the last game against Louisville and is still doubtful for this game. Kennedy Wesley made her NWSL debut, replacing Girma, and had a very impressive performance alongside Abby Dahlkemper. 16-year-old Kimmi Ascanio also made her NWSL debut in that match, coming on to replace Danielle Colaprico in the 76th minute.
Melanie Barcenas was not even on the bench for that game, as she is dealing with a hip injury and will be unavailable against Orlando. Casey Stoney has toggled with her lineup this season, but it seems to be clear that the offense will feature Alex Morgan, Jaedyn Shaw, Savannah McCaskill, and Sofia Jakobsson.
It will be intriguing to see what approach Stoney has in this game, with the recent offensive woes. Orlando Pride is undefeated to start the season but only has one win and three draws so far.
That lone win came in Orlando’s last game against Utah Royals, where a goal by the legendary Marta was enough to obtain the three points from the match. Marta still has the potential to be an offensive force for this team and can potentially get the start against San Diego, with forward Adriana dealing with some discomfort after that game against Utah.
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.