July 30, 2022 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – San Diego Wave FC News Release
CHICAGO, Illinois. – It was an eventful night in the Windy City on Saturday evening as the San Diego Wave Fútbol Club (7-3-4) battled the Chicago Red Stars (5-3-5) at Soldier Field. With a final score of 1-0, San Diego Wave FC handed Chicago its first defeat at home since the 2021 NWSL season.
With her family in the stands to witness the moment, 17-year-old Jaedyn Shaw started in tonight’s match and made an immediate impact on her professional NWSL debut, scoring the game-winning goal with a cool and confident finish.
Thirteen days after signing with the club, Shaw became the second-youngest player to compete in NWSL at the age of 17 years, eight months. With her goal tonight, the rising star made history as the youngest player to score on an NWSL debut.
Shaw’s clinical first-half goal in the 28th minute was the deciding factor tonight for San Diego, followed by impressive defending the rest of the match from the entire Wave FC squad. Forward Katie Johnson showcased her match awareness with a smart assist to Shaw’s debut goal, unselfishly passing the ball across the box to find the rookie.
In the 59th minute, captain Abby Dahlkemper earned a second yellow, forcing San Diego to continue for 30 minutes with just 10 players. Wave FC stepped up to the occasion and held off any pressure from the Red Stars to keep their 1-0 lead.
In the 81st minute, the Red Stars earned a penalty kick which Mallory Pugh stood over for a chance to tie up the score line. Goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan was up for the challenge and dove correctly to her left, sending the team into celebration and preserving San Diego’s lead.
Statistically, Chicago led the attack tonight with 20 shots to Wave FC’s nine, but San Diego relieved the home side’s pressure time after time. Center back Naomi Girma played incredibly for her first match back since the Concacaf W Championship, shutting down Chicago’s charge numerous times throughout the 90 minutes.
After earning three points tonight, Wave FC now returns to Torero Stadium on Sunday, Aug. 7 to battle the Kansas City Current at 2 p.m. PT. That night, as part of the 2022 Nationwide Community Impact Program, Wave FC will recognize the United Women of East Africa (UWEAST) in a pre-game ceremony on-field. San Diego defender Naomi Girma will help present UWEAST with a Nationwide donation check to kick off the season-long community partnership.
With just three matches…