Game: Washington Spirit vs. San Diego Wave

Where: Audi Field, Washington

When: Saturday, June 15, 2024

Time: 4:00 p.m. PST

TV: ion

The San Diego Wave will start an arduous three-game road trip this Saturday, June 15, when they take on the Washington Spirit at Audi Field.

The Wave are currently on a four-game winless streak coming off a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Orlando Pride at Snapdragon Stadium.

The Wave have not been playing badly in this lackluster run of form, generating plenty of scoring play, but finishing has been a major issue, as expressed by head coach Casey Stoney and several players. The Wave had 17 shots (five on target) against Orlando and only came away with that lone goal.

In the previous scoreless draw against Angel City FC, goalkeeper Dijana Haracic had to come up with a spectacular performance to deny the Wave from scoring. San Diego has a fully healthy squad for a second consecutive week and it is up for Casey Stoney to try and take advantage of what has been a rare occurrence this season.

The main attacking trio of Alex Morgan, Jaedyn Shaw, and Maria Sanchez is yet to completely gel together, but that has the potential to improve in the coming weeks.

The Washington Spirit have been one of the best teams in NWSL, currently in third place with 27 points, just two points behind league-leaders Kansas City Current. The capital city side is currently on a four-game winning streak, coming off a 1-0 away win against expansion side Utah Royals.

Washington has scored 26 goals this season, which is second-best in NWSL, with Ouleymata Sarr leading the team with six goals. Rookie Croix Bethune has been one of the biggest stories in the league this year, as she has scored four goals and has provided eight assists. Trinity Rodman is always a threat with her tremendous speed and will be a concern for the Wave in this match.

Washington has some injuries heading into the match, with Anna Heilferty, Civana Kuhlmann, and Lyza Bosselmann all missing this match. Andi Sullivan and Kate Wiesner are inclusively questionable for the game.

The Wave are currently out of a playoff spot and need to come away with some points out of this road trip. However, it is very difficult to ask for a win in a very tough match against a team like Washington away from home.

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.