San Diego Wave players take on international duty
Credit: Josh Jimenez/EVT Sports
Six San Diego Wave players were called up to play for their national teams during the NWSL’s international break. The biggest story over the break: Taylor Korneick scoring her first-ever USWNT goal in her first-ever appearance.
After an electric start to their inaugural season, San Diego is currently 1st in the NWSL. The terrific start, capitalized by a commanding 3-0 win over Gotham FC on June 19, saw six Wave players called up for international duty.
Despite the terrific news of having multiple players called up to represent their national teams, many of the players may also miss the Wave’s upcoming fixtures with international tournaments set to take place throughout July.
United States – Alex Morgan, Naomi Girma, & Taylor Kornieck
Following an incredible start to the season, three Wave players deservedly earned a call-up to feature for the USWNT.
Alex Morgan, Naomi Girma, & Taylor Kornieck were called up to the USWNT after earning their spots on the NWSL’s Best XI of the month for May and June.
The USWNT would go on to face Colombia twice, first on June 25th and again on June 28th.
During the first match on the 25th, Kornieck was substituted in the 72nd minute. Twenty minutes later, her dream came true. In the dying minutes, Kornieck headered the ball into the side netting, capping off her national team debut with a wonderful debut goal.
NWSL leading goalscorer Morgan also was substituted earlier in the match and had the chance to be on the pitch while her San Diego teammate scored such a meaningful goal.
The following match, on the 28th, all three San Diego players would get the chance to step on the pitch alongside one another in a 2-0 victory. Girma earned the start and kept a solid clean sheet while playing the entire match. Morgan also started the match but was substituted off in the 70th minute. Kornieck was then granted her second-ever USWNT appearance as she once again came off the bench, this time in the 60th minute.
Following these two matches, the UWSNT will be competing in the group stages of the CONCACAF Women’s Championship from July 4-11. This means the Wave may be without their three-star players for their next two matches against the Washington Spirit on July 3rd and Angel City FC on July 9th.
Canada – Kailen Sheridan
Kailen Sheridan currently sits tied for 7th in the NWSL in saves with 26, deservedly earning her spot as the No.1 on the Canada women’s national soccer team.
Canada played one game before they join the United States in the CONCACAF Women’s Championship beginning on July 4th.
Canada battled South Korea in a scoreless draw on June 26th. Despite Sheridan’s terrific amount of saves in the NWSL, not one shot from South Korea required her attention as their three total shots went off target.
Much like the Wave’s three USWNT players, Sheridan will be a huge miss for the Wave’s next two games as she hopes to win some silverware for the CONCACAF Women’s Championship at the upcoming CONCACAF Women’s Championship.
Sweden – Sofia Jakobsson
Alongside the offensive star players such as Kornieck and Morgan, Sofia Jakobsson also earned a call-up to feature for her national side, Sweden women’s national soccer team.
Jakobsson currently sits tied with Kornieck atop San Diego Wave’s assist leaderboard with two as she has been an attacking spark all season.
During Sweden’s 3-1 win over Brazil on June 28th, Jakobsson earned the start and played 64 minutes before being substituted.
Much like the rest of the players currently away for international duty, Jakobsson may miss a few of the Wave’s upcoming fixtures as Sweden is taking part in the UEFA Women’s Championship, with the group stages running from July 9-17.
Australia – Emily Van Egmond
San Diego Wave’s star midfielder Emily Van Egmond also earned a call-up to her national side, Australia women’s national soccer team.
The team played two matches before they head out to the AFF Women’s Championship group stages from July 4-12.
In the first of Australia’s two matches, they faced Spain on June 25th. Van Egmond earned the start and was substituted off at halftime, with Spain leading the match 1-0. Following her substitution, Spain would go on to score eight more and win the match 9-0.
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The next match would be a lot more even for Australia. With a full 90 minutes under her belt, Van Egmond helped her Australia side earn a 1-1 tie against Portugal on June 28th.
San Diego is grateful to have so many talented players represent their side on the international level. But with the Wave sitting in first with three teams looking to pounce, the Wave may be in trouble with six of their star players potentially missing the next few games with international duty.
Next, the San Diego Wave face the Washington Spirit on Sunday, July 3rd, at Torero Stadium in hopes of extending their lead at the top of the NWSL table.
Morgan Prickett is currently studying Journalism at San Diego State and is on pace to graduate in 2023. He was born in Libreville, Gabon and lived in Pretoria, South Africa for 7 years until he moved to the Bay Area. He’s a massive soccer and basketball fan; mainly supporting Arsenal of the English Premier League and any team Chris Paul is on. He’s also an avid supporter of all sports teams in San Diego and loves watching all San Diego State sports.