The San Diego Wave played the Utah Royals at America First Field for their 20th game in the 2024 NWSL regular season. San Diego came away with a valuable 2-1 victory, which meant a lot of different things for this club.

The victory snapped a 12-game league winless streak, was Landon Donovan’s first win, and was also the first road win of the regular season. This was San Diego’s first match after Alex Morgan’s historic retirement from professional soccer, and the starting striker was Amirah Ali. Ali replaced Morgan in her retirement match and was accompanied by Maria Sanchez and Delphine Cascarino on the wings.

Kailen Sheridan was not available after receiving a red card in the last match, and Makenzy Doniak was the team captain. The attacking front made quick work in the match and obtained a 2-0 lead within five minutes of the game.

Just 26 seconds into the game, Amirah Ali put the Wave on the board with a strike from inside of the box off a cross by Delphine Cascarino. The French winger then quickly scored a goal of her own in the fifth minute with a strike off a cross by Makenzy Doniak. Cascarino’s strike was perfect after a stellar cross by the team captain.

Give it up for Delphine Cascarino’s first NWSL goal 👏 pic.twitter.com/iYFifZi6rS

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) September 15, 2024

San Diego Wave stayed persistent in the opening half but were unable to increase their lead. Utah controlled possession in the second half and were the better team in the second half, but only came away with a goal. Cloe Lacasse scored her first NWSL goal in the 58th minute for Utah’s lone goal of the match. Lacasse scored via a wonderful strike from just outside of the penalty box.

Jaedyn Shaw came on in the 63rd minute for her first game back after her injury at the Olympics. Landon Donovan played conservatively in the second half and it paid off with the Wave obtaining the valuable victory.

This was San Diego’s second victory in all competitions with Landon Donovan and the first league victory since Casey Stoney was still at the helm. The Wave are still just six points out of a playoff spot, and there are six games left to play in the NWSL regular season.

The Southern California team will now have to shift focus and play in the CONCACAF Champions Cup against Portland Thorns at home on September 18.

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.