After an impressive NWSL rookie year that saw San Diego Wave reach the semifinal round after finishing in third place overall during the regular season, the team, led by head coach Casey Stoney, unveiled its 2023 schedule on Wednesday.
This season will have a total of 28 matches including six UNG Challenge Cup games as the Wave attempt to make another title run starting with the regular season opener on March 25 versus the Chicago Red Stars at Snapdragon Stadium.
San Diego Wave eliminated the Red Stars 2-1 in the NWSL quarterfinals on Oct. 16, 2022, before falling to the eventual champion Portland Thorns by the same score in the semifinals the following week.
Besides the season opener, among the several matches that fans are eagerly waiting to watch include the two against rival Angel City FC on April 23 at BMO Stadium and on June 17 at Snapdragon Stadium. The first chance at revenge against Portland will come at home on May 26 followed by the first Challenge Cup tournament match on May 31 versus OL Reign also at Snapdragon.
The Wave will close the regular season at home against Racing Louisville on Oct. 15, a team they tied with in a scoreless draw on July 15, 2022 thanks to an outstanding performance by goalkeeper Carly Telford who filled in for Kailen Sheridan.
Besides its impressive 2022 season overall as a team, San Diego Wave also finished with several individual accolades such as the Golden Boot winner (Alex Morgan), the defender and rookie of the year award winner (Naomi Girma), the goalkeeper of the year award winner (Kailen Sheridan) and head coach of the year award winner (Casey Stoney).
Photo courtesy of David Frerker