September 25, 2022 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – San Diego Wave FC News Release
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – San Diego Wave Fútbol Club (10-6-4, W-L-D) fought back from a two-goal deficit this evening to earn a point against Orlando Pride (5-9-6) in a historic night for the club. With the 2-2 draw, San Diego Wave FC clinched a spot in the 2022 NWSL Playoffs and became the first-ever expansion team to earn a playoff berth in their inaugural season.
The hosts scored tonight’s first two goals, starting in the 33rd minute, with Meggie Dougherty Howard finding space to Kailen Sheridan’s right. Orlando Pride then doubled their score in the 68th minute off a header by Gunny Jónsdóttir off a cross into the box.
Wave FC battled hard through both halves to get on the board, with Sofia Jakobsson and Katie Johnson bringing two of tonight’s best chances. Finally, Makenzy Doniak kept the fight alive for San Diego, scoring her third goal of the season in the 76th minute. After receiving the ball off a cross from Kelsey Turnbow, Doniak headed an impressive shot into the net from the center of the box.
An 87th-minute equalizer from Taylor Kornieck then sealed a point and a playoff berth for Wave FC as she scored against her former team following a set piece situation. Two late-game goals tonight helped San Diego clinch its first-ever playoff spot, and the team now turns focus to its final match of the regular season.
Notably, with three saves recorded tonight, goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan surpassed her 400th NWSL career save. Sheridan ranks fourth in the NWSL’s all-time list for saves. Despite going down early, center back and captain Abby Dahlkemper also reached a milestone, her 10,000th regular season minute in the NWSL.
With a playoff spot in hand, Wave FC returns home to Snapdragon Stadium on Friday, Sept. 30, to face-off against the North Carolina Courage. Tickets for San Diego’s final home match are on sale now at www.sandiegowavefc.com/tickets.
Wave FC Goals: Makenzy Doniak (76′, Assisted by Kelsey Turnbow), Taylor Kornieck (87′)
Orlando Pride Goals: Meggie Dougherty Howard (33′, Assisted by Leah Pruitt)
Misconduct Summary
Wave FC: Jodie Taylor (44′ Yellow), Taylor Kornieck (77′, Yellow)
Orlando Pride:
Wave FC starting lineup
Goalkeeper: Kailen Sheridan
Defenders: Abby Dahlkemper (C), Naomi Girma, Christen Westphal, Kristen McNabb
Midfielders: Emily Van Egmond, Taylor Kornieck, Katie Johnson
Forwards: Jodie Taylor, Sofia Jakobsson, Jaedyn Shaw,
Game Changers Used:…
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