May 19, 2022 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – San Diego Wave FC News Release
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – It took until their fourth match of their inaugural regular season campaign for San Diego Wave Fútbol Club (3-1-0) to face a loss. After winning their first three matches of the regular season, they dropped a 1-0 decision to Racing Louisville FC (1-1-2) in front of 5,302 fans on Wednesday night at Lynn Family Stadium in Kentucky.
Savannah DeMelo struck a free kick from outside the box that Wave FC goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan got a hand on, but the velocity of the shot was too strong and continued into the back of the net to hand Louisville an early 1-0 advantage in the 27th minute. Despite San Diego and Louisville entering the match ranked first and second respectively in goals scored, both sides only generated nine shots each over the course of the one-goal match.
Alex Morgan, who subbed into the match at the start of the second half, took only a minute onto the pitch to create a scoring opportunity, but Racing’s goalkeeper Katie Lund made it one of her four saves on the evening. Then in the 84th, Wave midfielder Taylor Kornieck crossed a ball from right-to-left over to Morgan, who headed a ball to Kristen McNabb, but McNabb’s header didn’t hit on frame and missed feet wide of the left post. Two minutes later, Emily van Egmond dropped a beautiful cross into the goal area that Makenzy Doniak struck with her first touch, but Louisville’s Lund was in the perfect spot to corral the save and secure the victory for Racing.
As reported earlier in the day, Wave FC Head Coach Casey Stoney missed the contest due to Covid-19 Protocols. Wave assistant coach Rich Gunney assumed head duties for the contest.
San Diego will travel onto Cary, North Carolina for a Sunday matinee with the Courage, who dropped to 0-2 with a 2-1 loss to Orlando Pride on Wednesday night. Kickoff for the May 22nd match with North Carolina will be at 11:00am PT and stream live on Paramount+.
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