Wave trade Tegan McGrady to Thorns for Madison Pogarch
Credit: Oregon Live
There’s a saying that goes something like, “Don’t intertwine your love life with your work life.” Many probably disagree with the foundation of that saying, as it is undoubtedly possible to get along in a work setting that features your significant other. San Diego’s newest addition, Madison Pogarch, is probably someone that would disagree with the saying as she has just intertwined both lives by joining her significant other, Christen Westphal, in San Diego.
The trade was announced on Monday, July 25, where surprisingly, the two top teams in the NWSL made a switch of defenders. The San Diego Wave are sending defender Tegan McGrady to the Portland Thorns in exchange for another defender, 24-year-old Madison Pogarch.
Tegan McGrady has been a consistent member of this inaugural Wave FC squad. Of the 19 total games, this team has played this season, McGrady has started 14 of those games at the right-back position. McGrady has been a constituent and trustworthy defender, helping San Diego reach 1st in the NWSL standings and third in the least number of goals conceded. The only downside of McGrady’s time in San Diego is that she conceded the first and, so far, only own goal that this San Diego team has ever conceded.
“On behalf of the club, I thank Tegan for everything she has done for San Diego Wave FC in her time here,” San Diego Wave General Manager Molly Downtain said. “As part of our inaugural roster, Tegan made an impact on and off the field, and she’ll always be part of the family.”
Before her short stint with San Diego, McGrady previously played with Washington Spirit after being selected 7th in the 2019 NWSL College Draft.
The Assist 👏 The Finish 👏 @ThornsFC scores with seconds left in the game to make it 1-1! #LAvPOR | #AllTheAction pic.twitter.com/lspnTyENRv
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) July 2, 2022
Pograch also joined the NWSL in 2019 when she signed her first professional contract with the Portland Thorns. From there, Pogarch has seen her minutes steadily increase as she has proven herself a contributing member of the Thorns defense. Through her 10 NWSL games so far this season, Pograch has recorded two assists, ten clearances, seven interceptions, and two blocks.
“Bringing in Pogarch will add so much value to our current roster both on the field and in our environment,” San Diego Wave FC Head Coach Casey Stoney said. “Po, as she is known, arrives here with such glowing character references from those that have played and worked with her. I’m excited to see what she can add to our environment.”
Interestingly, Pogarch also currently leads the NWSL in yellow cards with 5.
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Pogarch also has some international experience after she was called up to the U-23 United States Women’s National Team in August 2019 for the 2019 Nordic Tournament.
The first match in which Pogarch will be available is on Sunday, August 7, when San Diego takes on the Kansas City Current at Torero Stadium in San Diego.
Until then, San Diego will be without McGrady and Pogach as they compete against the Chicago Red Stars next at Soldier Field on Saturday, July 30th.
Morgan Prickett is currently studying Journalism at San Diego State and is on pace to graduate in 2023. He was born in Libreville, Gabon and lived in Pretoria, South Africa for 7 years until he moved to the Bay Area. He’s a massive soccer and basketball fan; mainly supporting Arsenal of the English Premier League and any team Chris Paul is on. He’s also an avid supporter of all sports teams in San Diego and loves watching all San Diego State sports.