Game: San Diego Wave vs. North Carolina Courage

Where: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego

When: Saturday, April 1, 2023

Time: 7:00 p.m. PST

TV: Fox 5 San Diego

The San Diego Wave will host the North Carolina Courage at Snapdragon Stadium for their second game in the 2023 NWSL season this Saturday, April 1.

The season-opener against the Chicago Red Stars was a massive success on and off the field for the Wave as the Southern California club came away with a 3-2 victory and broke and NWSL attendance record with 30,854 fans in the stands.

Another big crowd is expected at Snapdragon Stadium this Saturday as the Wave looks to have consistent success at home this season. Amrah Ali, Jaedyn Shaw, and Alex Morgan scored the goals that led to the Wave’s victory against Chicago as the offense was in fine form, but the defense had its miscues in the season-opener.

San Diego had nine shots against Chicago but also allowed 14 total shots, as it will be interesting to see if Casey Stoney makes any adjustments for the game against North Carolina. Taylor Kornieck has the potential to slide into the starting 11 after replacing Meggie Dougherty Howard at the start of the second half against the Red Stars.

Kornieck definitely adds a solid physical presence for the Wave in the midfield, as she has the ability to recover plenty of balls. As for the offense, it seems that Stoney found a good mix in the season opener, with Sofia Jakobsson as a good option off the bench.

North Carolina Courage also started its season with three points as the southeastern team defeated Kansas City Current 1-0 at home. Mile Gejl scored the winning goal for the Courage and will be one of the key players to watch for the visitors. Goalkeeper Casey Murphy was a key component for North Carolina in their season-opener as she made three saves from inside of the box in that match.

This is a very manageable game for the Wave, as the home-field advantage has the potential to make a difference in this match.

Players to watch

Alex Morgan

Morgan started her 2023 NWSL season by scoring a game-winning penalty for the Wave against the Chicago Red Stars. The American superstar will look to increase her offensive production against North Carolina, as she only had one shot on target against Chicago. The Wave captain is coming off a spectacular 2022 NWSL season that helped her earn a second-place finish in the FIFA The Best voting as she will look for continued success this season leading into the World Cup.

Casey Murphy

Murphy was key in North Carloina’s victory against Kansas City, as she will need to put in another significant performance in this match. The 26-year-old shot-stopper will be looking to compete in the 2023 FIFA women’s World Cup, as this start to the NWSL is vital for her.

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.