Following an own goal in the first half, San Diego Wave FC managed to equalize and split points against one of the top teams in the NWSL, Washington Spirit.

On the outside looking in, getting any points will help San Diego in the standings.

On the Sunday of Labor Day weekend, 23,541 fans were in attendance. There was a quick turnaround at SnapDragon Stadium, as the San Diego State Aztecs had their home football season opener yesterday. The grass field was not in good condition. The football paint markings were still visible on the pitch.

San Diego Wave FC goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan on the team’s current position in the NWSL standings: @EVT_News pic.twitter.com/0qqH12tgsz

— Sebastian Sanchez (@Ssanchez_16) September 2, 2024

With the second-best record in the league, Washington entered the game with a +17 goal differential, while the Wave had a -6. The Spirit’s high-powered attack, featuring Ouleymata Sarr, Trinity Rodman, and Croix Bethune, has combined for 19 goals this season.

The return of defender Naomi Girma couldn’t have come at a better time. Girma won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This is her first appearance with the Wave since July 5th.

Delphine Cascarino, a forward who joined the team in late July, had her first NWSL start tonight.

Washington’s striker, Sarr, received a pass in stride and swiftly got behind the Wave defense. Once she regained possession in the box, she attempted to pass it to fellow attacker Rosemonde Kouassi, but three San Diego defenders and their goalkeeper surrounded the ball.

In an attempt to clear the ball out of the box, Kennedy Wesley’s kick deflected off Kristen McNabb’s face and bounced into the net to give Washington a lead in the 30th minute.

Washington gets a goal on the board in San Diego! pic.twitter.com/EbSPRK5up1

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) September 2, 2024

The self-inflicted wound was the last thing this struggling Wave team needed. Besides the mistake, San Diego played at the same level as Washington. They led in possession (61.2%) and had the same number of shot attempts at the break.

“For 30 minutes, absolutely battered them in the first half,” Landon Donovan said. “Unlucky on the own goal.”

Looking to equalize, San Diego got a corner kick following what looked like a promising attack approaching the 70th minute. Maria Sánchez centered it right in the middle of the crowded box, where McNabb maneuvered her way into open space and kicked it with her right foot when the ball hit the ground to tie it.

KRISTEN MCNABB WITH THE EQUALIZER FOR THE WAVE ‼️ pic.twitter.com/eWTCxm3nZj

— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) September 2, 2024

“An own goal is never ideal, so I think the best way to counteract that is by scoring, so I was pretty pumped,” McNabb said.

Washington had a few chances to take the lead late, but Kailen Sheridan and the defense made crucial stops. The Spirit had 18 shot attempts in tonight’s game, but only four were on goal.

Sheridan said she was disappointed in her performance last week against Angel City FC, where she gave up two goals to Alyssa Thompson.

“I think that’s a testament to the really good defending structure and shape and putting pressure on the ball,” Sheridan said about the high amount of shot attempts tonight.

While San Diego could’ve used the three points in tonight’s match, one point will suffice. They remain 12th in the standings with 16 points. With eight NWSL games remaining, they are four slots away from a playoff spot.

“It’s tough, it sucks being where we are,” Sheridan said. “We’re disappointed that we put ourselves in this position because we know we’re capable of so much more. But ultimately, at this point, we need to continue to grow and challenge ourselves.”

Change has been a big storyline for San Diego this season. They’re currently on their third coach and recently parted ways with the club’s first player signing, defender Abby Dahlkemper. Dahlkemper was sent to Bay FC in exchange for $50,000 in allocation money. 

“We’ve always said with the players we have, I think we underperformed the first half of the season,” McNabb said. “Landon coming in has brought a new energy to the team and we know we can perform better, and we expect that from ourselves.”

Donovan believes the team has made substantial progress since joining three weeks ago. He also mentioned that he is proud of his players for competing against a talented top team.

“It’s unfortunate how we conceded the goal, but I’m really happy where the group is at,” Donovan said.

The Wave will host NC Courage next Sunday at 5 p.m., another top-five team in the league.

Sebastian Sanchez

Sebastian Sanchez was born and raised in San Diego. He recently received his bachelor’s degree in Sports Journalism from Arizona State University. A passionate storyteller who has experience covering the Phoenix Mercury and Suns. He has also written for multiple news outlets, reporting on various sports at the college and high school levels.