The San Diego Wave played their fifth game in the 2024 NWSL regular season this Friday, April 27, against Bay FC at Snapdragon Stadium.

This was the first-ever official meeting between Wave and Bay FC in a competitive match, and a rivalry could form over the years.

San Diego has been struggling massively with injuries, as Alex Morgan, Sofia Jakobbson, Abby Dahlkemper, and Melanie Barcenas all missed this game due to their respective injuries. Casey Stoney surprised everyone with her lineup, which included 2024 NWSL third-round draft pick Mya Jones, first-round Draft pick Kennedy Wesley, and 16-year-old Kimmi Ascanio.

New signing Maria Sanchez started the game on the bench along with Jaedyn Shaw, which was very surprising given the lack of experience on the field. The front four comprised of Kyra Carusa, Makenzy Doniak, Savannah McCaskill and Mya Jones was very surprising in the first half, working very well together.

The first goal of the night came in the 13th minute when Makenzy Doniak scored from a very well-located shot outside of the penalty area. Kimmi Ascanio gave the assist to Doniak, but it was really more of the shot that was impressive on the scoring play.

In the 36th minute, a shot by Savannah McCaskill was stopped by Bay FC goalkeeper Lysianne Proulx, who also managed to stop a dangerous cross by McCaskill in the 41st minute. The first 45 minutes were very hard-fought, but Wave FC came out on top with a slight advantage that would not last very long in the second half.

In the 48th minute, Asisat Oshoala scored off a rebound after a header struck the crossbar, and the ball landed at her feet for an easy finish for the tie. San Diego needed to make a change after the goal and did when Casey Stoney brought on Jaedyn Shaw for Kyra Carusa in the 64th minute. In the 68th minute, Stoney brought on more explosiveness by bringing on Elyse Bennett and Maria Sanchez for Makenzy Doniak and Mya Jones.

A deafening roar was heard at Snapdragon Stadium when new signing Maria Sanchez stepped onto the pitch, and in the 78th minute, the substitutions paid off. Elyse Bennett provided a spectacular pass to Jaedyn Shaw, who scored inside the penalty area to give San Diego a 2-1 lead.

The rigid backline for the Wave was able to hold onto the lead for their second win of the young season. A key substitution also came at halftime when Emily van Egmond replaced Kimmi Ascanio to add a slot of stability to the midfield.

This was a very hard-fought and physical duel at Snapdragon Stadium, and Van Egmond’s presence was absolutely necessary in the middle of the park.

The three points from this match are a massive confidence boost for San Diego Wave, who had not scored in two consecutive games. Inclusively, it was very impressive considering the huge absences in Casey Stoney’s starting 11.

The San Diego Wave will play Seattle Reign away from home on May 3 and will return home to play Utah Royals on May 8.

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.