San Diego Wave Fútbol Club concludes its participation in the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup on Saturday, April 23 at Torero Stadium with a rematch against OL Reign.

Despite being already eliminated from the semifinal round of the tournament, the offense for the first-year expansion team has been a bright spot during the five games it has played scoring eight goals so far. This puts San Diego Wave in the top half regarding offensive output tied with the Chicago Red Stars and defending Challenge Cup champions Portland Thorns and ahead of teams like Angel City FC, Orlando Pride, and its opponent for the regular-season opener on May 1, Houston Dash.

“When we are on our game, when we are organized, we can play a great game. We will be harder to beat,” said Wave head coach Casey Stoney.

The problem for San Diego Wave has come recently on the defensive end giving up six goals in its last two matches plus the fact the team has been without its top goalkeeper, Kailen Sheridan, who was called up recently by the Canadian women’s national soccer team to take part in a pair of friendly matches but is expected to be available to play this Saturday.

“Each game is a good opportunity to build upon our chemistry as a team,” said Wave midfielder Emily Van Egmond. “We have a lot of things to learn as a new group and hopefully we keep growing.”

San Diego faced OL Reign on April 14 at Lumen Field with the Seattle team coming out with a 3-1 win.

Photo courtesy San Diego Wave