San Diego Wave sign goalkeeper Shae Yanez to two-year deal
This Wednesday, April 26, the San Diego Wave officially announced the signing of 25-year-old goalkeeper Shae Yanez from English club London City Lionesses. The Wave bought Yanez from London City, and the contract for the goalkeeper is a two-year deal with an option for the 2025 season.
Yanez had been with the Lionesses for three seasons in the Women’s Championship, which is the second tier of women’s soccer in England. The 25-year-old shot-stopper has experience in the NWSL, previously playing with the Washington Spirit before playing in England. Yanez also played collegiate soccer at the University of Tennessee, where she set several school records.
The Downingtown, PA. native now joins Kailen Sheridan and Lauren Brzykcy as the goalkeepers on the 2023 Wave squad. Sheridan is the undisputed starter for the team, but the wear and tear of the NWSL season with the mid-week Challenge Cup games can take a toll. Especially with the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup coming up, the Wave will need some insurance in net with the load of games Sheridan is set to play this year.
Yanez gave her first statement as a member of the San Diego Wave and said, “I’m so excited to join the club and be a part of something so special. Can’t wait to see you all at Snapdragon Stadium. Vamos Wave!”
Shae ➡️ SD 🤝#VamosWave | @shaeyanez
— San Diego Wave FC (@sandiegowavefc) April 26, 2023
Wave head coach Casey Stoney also talked about Yanez and her development. Stoney said, “She’s taken a unique path in her career and has established herself overseas over the past several years. We look forward to continuing to develop Shae here at the Wave and adding even greater depth to our goalkeeping unit.”
Kailen Sheridan has arguably been the best goalkeeper in the NWSL this season, and signing another goalkeeper with experience only helps the Canadian shot-stopper. It will be interesting to see when Casey Stoney finally rests Sheridan as the Wave host Orlando Pride at Snapdragon Stadium this Saturday, April 29, then go on the road for three consecutive games.
San Diego is currently third place in the NWSL with nine points from four games played and will look to possibly leapfrog OL Reign or Portland on the standings before the long road trip ahead.
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.