San Diego Wave host Bay FC, riding on two-game win streak
Credit: SD Wave FC
The San Diego Wave had a very successful two-game road stand, defeating Racing Louisville and Chicago Stars.
The Wave will return home to face Bay FC and hope to bring that momentum into this match.
San Diego defeated Racing Louisville 4-1 and had a very dominant 3-0 victory against Chicago. The Southern California side suffered a 2-0 loss against Kansas City in their last home match and will look to get back on track at Snapdragon Stadium.
San Diego’s last seven goals have all come from seven different players as the whole squad has been contributing. Kimmi Ascanio received a golden opportunity to start in the last match and made the most of it, scoring her first professional goal.
Ascanio, Melanie Barcenas, and Trinity Armstrong were all in San Diego’s lineup, a historical feat. This was the first time in NWSL history that three 17-year-old players were in a starting 11.
Barcenas has started the last two games and has really been performing, scoring a goal in the win against Louisville. The current creativity and flow of the attacking front have been exciting with Barcenas, Delphine Cascarino, and Gia Corley. Kenza Dali has also added a ton of creativity to this attack with her role from the midfield.
It will be interesting to see if Jonas Eidevall goes with the young Kimmi Ascanio or with veteran Adriana Leon this week.
Bay FC is undefeated in its last two games, coming off a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Seattle Reign. The Northern California team has had an average start to the season, but certainly has the potential to be better. Former Wave captain Abby Dahlkemper now leads this team, offering her tremendous experience in the backline.
Bay FC has an exciting attack with Zambian international Racheal Kundananji at the forefront of it. Kundananji scored her first goal of the season in Bay FC’s last match and will be motivated to keep this form going.
Kiki Pickett currently leads the team with two goals and is at the nucleus of this team in the midfield. Bay FC has a talented team, but this game is very winnable for the San Diego Wave in front of the home crowd.
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.