Sierra Enge made her professional debut with the San Diego Wave this Wednesday, April 19, when the Wave faced the Portland Thorns in their first game in the 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup.

Enge was drafted 13th overall by the San Diego Wave in the 2023 NWSL draft and finally made her anticipated debut.

However, Enge’s starting role in Casey Stoney’s lineup came as a surprise as the 23-year-old played at center-back to begin the match. The former Stanford University player had mostly played as a midfielder throughout her collegiate career.

The Cardiff, Calif. native had a huge task as she was facing Sophie Smith in Portland’s attack. Smith and the Thorns’ attack had a few good opportunities in the first half, but overall Enge played her role immensely as the first half ended scoreless.

At the start of the second half, Enge’s former teammate at Stanford, Naomi Girma, came on for Danny Colaprico. Enge shifted to the midfield and played the rest of the 90 minutes alongside Taylor Kornieck and then Emily van Egmond when she came on in the 67th minute.

Enge played her part in the midfield, helping recover the ball as the Wave were able to keep the clean sheet against Portland. Kailen Sheridan had a terrific game in net, but Enge played a huge role in the result as her versatility helped gain the slim 1-0 win at Snapdragon Stadium.

Enge talked about her professional debut and what it meant to her in the post-game press conference. Enge said, “It was a great way to get started my career here. It was so nice to be able to debut in San Diego. I’m just really grateful for the fans that are here to support us each and every day, especially in the midweek games. It really couldn’t have gone better; a win on my debut is great.”

Enge proved to be a team player and showed her versatility, which is extremely valuable in a long season full of twists and turns, like in the NWSL. It will be interesting to see how coach Casey Stoney uses the Stanford product going forward in the 2023 season and across the Challenge Cup.

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.