San Diego Wave Fútbol Club begins its  2023 NWSL regular season at Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday, March 25 versus the Chicago Red Stars in a rematch of last year’s playoffs. The Wave, which ended up as the third-seed, eliminated the sixth-seeded Red Stars in the quarterfinal round with a goal from midfielder Emily van Egmond in the 67th minute, and the eventual game-winner in the 110th minute by forward Alex Morgan.

“I think the overall mood here is excitement, it’s been a long time coming,” said San Diego Wave FC head coach Casey Stoney. “It’s been a long break and a long preseason. Obviously, the players are excited to get out there and perform.”

San Diego also came out on top in both regular season matches last season first on May 15 by a score of 2-1 at Snapdragon Stadium and then 1-0 on July 30 at SeatGeek Stadium thanks to a first-half goal by forward Jaedyn Shaw.

Chicago scored 34 goals during the 2022 regular season led by 11 goals and six assists from forward Mallory Swanson. Swanson also led the United States women’s national team in scoring with four goals in the three matches they played on their way to winning the 2023 SheBelieves Cup.

Swanson represented the United States alongside San Diego Wave players Naomi Girma, Taylor Kornieck, and Morgan, who scored the goal of the tournament in the third and final match against Brazil, which the USWNT won 2-1.

“I think we exceeded everyone’s expectations last year; I don’t think we exceed our own,” Stoney added. “We’ve got a skillful squad, we’ve got fantastic players. We’re also aware we are in our second year and yes there’s going to be pressure and expectation, I see pressure as a privilege so I think it’s great for our players if that expectation is there.”

San Diego Wave will follow up its home opener with another home game on April 1 against the North Carolina Courage before its first road match of the season on April 15 versus OL Reign.

Photo courtesy: Ken Maranion/Raine Photography