San Diego Wave Fútbol Club came close to pulling off a comeback on the road against the Portland Thorns on Sunday afternoon but, despite a great second half effort, they still fell to the defending NWSL Challenge Cup champions 3-2.
Just like in their previous head-to-head match-up on March 26, Portland drew first courtesy of forward Sophia Smith who scored an absolute golazo with her left foot from just inside the box, which angled its way over the head of goalkeeper Carly Telford.
The home team did not let up and extended its lead in the 21st minute when a shot from forward Christine Sinclair bounced off the crossbar and found midfielder Hina Sugita who headed the rebound into the back of the net.
Portland would tack on its third and final goal once again courtesy of the Japanese women’s national player in the 41st minute when she left-footed a shot past the outstretched arms of Telford.
“We are a new team. These teams are established. We have a lot of work to do to make sure we are fitter, more compact,” said San Diego Wave Fútbol Club head coach Casey Stoney.
San Diego reacted right from the start of the second half when forward Alex Morgan shot a ball from close range that goalkeeper Bella Bixby deflected right back to Morgan where she then passed to her teammate Isabella Briede who right-footed it in for the team’s first goal.
The visitors drew closer in the 67th minute when midfielder Taylor Kornieck, who had just been subbed into the game, took advantage of her 6 feet 1-inch tall stature along with a beautiful corner kick from teammate Kelsey Turnbow to head the ball by Bixby and the rest of the Thorns defense making the score 3-2.
San Diego continued to push the attack and had a chance to tie the game in the 87th minute when Kornieck found Morgan who was able to split two defenders and quickly turn to get off a shot that Bixby was able to cover.
“At halftime, we had a really good discussion on the nuances of playing simple,” said Wave forward Briede. “We did a better job in being composed and playing the open player. I’m proud of the way we fought back and got those two goals. It was exciting to get my first professional goal, but of course, I would have wanted to get a win.”
The loss eliminates San Diego from making it to the Challenge Cup semifinal round as the best second-place team. Their final match is at home this coming Saturday against OL Reign before opening the NWSL regular season versus the Houston Dash on May 1. Portland can secure its spot in the final four with a win over Angel City on April 24.
Photo Courtesy: San Diego Wave Fútbol Club
