July 20, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
San Diego Wave FC News Release
SAN DIEGO – San Diego Wave FC secured its first win of the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup, defeating Bay FC 3-1 at Torero Stadium on Saturday night. San Diego received goals from three different players – defender Kennedy Wesley, midfielder María Sánchez, and forward Amirah Ali – who each scored their first goal of the 2024 campaign.
The Wave created multiple shots on goal early and often throughout the match against Bay FC. After a close chance from forward Elyse Bennett in the fifth minute, San Diego followed up with another dangerous opportunity in the 26th minute when captain Alex Morgan rifled a shot from 20 yards out that was parried away by Bay goalkeeper Emmie Allen.
In the final minutes of the first half, San Diego found the opening goal from a Wesley header. The Wave went on a counterattack when defender Abby Dahlkemper played a ball over the top to an ongoing Sánchez who struck a ball from 30 yards out on frame that was bobbled by Allen for a corner kick. Sánchez hit an inswinging corner and found the head of Wesley on the near post as the rookie deflected the ball to the corner of the goal.
In the 53rd minute, midfielder Danny Colaprico dispossessed Bay and charged toward goal. The veteran midfielder played the ball outside to Sánchez, who perfectly placed her shot into the far left corner with a chip over the goalkeeper to notch her first goal with San Diego.
However, 10 minutes later Bay FC managed to find a goal when goalkeeper Hillary Beall’s clearance fell to Bay’s Maddie Moreau who buried it in the back of the net.
Despite conceding, the Wave continued their strong play and added the club’s third goal in the 80th minute. Midfielder Savannah McCaskill played a ball to the back post for Bennett, who redirected it back into the box. Second-half substitute Amirah Ali pushed the ball forward and notched her first of the season.
In extra-time of the second half, Bay FC was awarded a penalty kick. Forward Deyna Castellanos stepped up to the spot and shot low to the right, but Beall made a diving save to secure the 3-1 victory.
Next on the schedule: San Diego returns to Snapdragon Stadium to host Club América for the second game of the inaugural NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup. The match will be broadcast on Paramount+ with kickoff slated for 7 p.m. PT. Tickets can be found here.
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