In front of a club-record crowd of 12,969 in attendance for the Kansas City Current at Children’s Mercy Park, the San Diego Wave were able to come away with a 2-0 win. This win meant a lot for Casey Stoney and company on this Mother’s Day afternoon as San Diego was coming off of consecutive 3-1 losses in the NWSL regular season against Orlando and Washington.

Casey Stoney implemented a very intriguing starting lineup which featured Sierra Enge in her first-ever NWSL regular season game. Isabella Briede also received just her second start of the regular season, with the team still dealing with some notable injury issues, specifically to Taylor Kornieck and Emily van Egmond.

The Wave started off the game with a few notable scoring opportunities, playing much better than the home team. In the 13th minute, Sofia Jakobsson crossed the ball to Rachel Hill, who did not get a great shot on it remained a scoreless clash.

In the 25th minute, the first goal of the game came, as Alex Morgan released a potent strike in the penalty area that deflected off the post and off of Kansas City goalkeeper Adrianna Franch to get into the back of the net. The scoring play was a very peculiar one as a play between Rachel Hill and Sofia Jakobsson found Morgan after a header by Croix Soto. The goal was scored as an own goal by Adrianna Franch, but it had the potential to be awarded as a goal to Alex Morgan.

the post said “mother’s day, alex!!” pic.twitter.com/JjHdblvtX1

— San Diego Wave FC (@sandiegowavefc) May 14, 2023

In the 43rd minute, the Wave extended its lead as Belle Briede scored from a shot in the penalty area off an assist by Christen Westphal. Before her pass, Westphal did an excellent job of recovering the ball from Cecelia Kizer after a cross by Sofia Jakobsson was intercepted by the Kansas City player. After the first 45 minutes, San Diego had a 2-0 lead and were clearly the better team with much better scoring opportunities.\

Alex Morgan talked to Paramount+ after the first half about the game. Morgan said, “I think we’ve been executing well. We’re up up on them; that’s always a plus. We have our forwards tucked in, and I think it’s really giving their fullbacks a problem.” Morgan also seemed very unbothered that her goal was put down as an own goal, as the Wave captain seemed content after the first 45 minutes.

Kansas City did try and stage a comeback in the second half, playing very aggressively with 15 total shots in the half. San Diego played a very calm and orderly style of play, maintaining the two-goal advantage until the final whistle.

Kailen Sheridan was a factor in the clean sheet, as she had a few notable saves, including a stunning save off a free kick by Debinha in the 63rd minute. The Canadian international finished the game with four saves, earning her third clean sheet of the year.

kailen sheridaaaaang what a save 🤯 pic.twitter.com/lgi5LbhPW1

— San Diego Wave FC (@sandiegowavefc) May 14, 2023

Sierra Enge and Belle Briede made the most of their opportunity given in this match as Briede scored and Enge played a role in the clean sheet from midfield. It will be interesting to see how Casey Stoney sets up her team moving forward with impressive showings from around the squad.

With the win, the Wave is now in fifth place with 12 points, just three points back of first-place Washington. San Diego plays its third and final consecutive road game before returning to Snapdragon Stadium against the Houston Dash on Saturday, May 20.

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.