NWSL San Diego Wave FC

San Diego Wave Fútbol Club Experiences their First Defeat of Their Inaugural Campaign in Kentucky

Published on May 19, 2022 under 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+.

Wave FC Goals: None

Louisville Goals: Savannah DeMelo (27')

Misconduct Summary

Wave FC: Mia Gyau (Yellow '36), Kelsey Turnbow (Yellow '44)

Louisville: Lauren Milliet (Yellow '14), Erin Simon (Yellow 89')

Wave FC starting lineup

Goalkeeper: Kailen Sheridan

Defenders: Abby Dahlkemper [c], Naomi Girma, Tegan McGrady, Christen Westphal

Midfielders: Taylor Kornieck, Emily van Egmond, Marleen Schimmer

Forwards: Belle Briede, Sofia Jakobsson, Kelsey Turnbow

Subs Used: Mia Gyau, Alex Morgan, Kristen McNabb, Katie Johnson, Makenzy Doniak

SD Wave Assistant Coach Rich Gunney:

On tonight's loss to Louisville

"Frustrating evening for us. Obviously, we're disappointed with the result. It's tough on the road, especially with a short turnaround. I'm sure the players won't want to use that as an excuse and we won't use that as an excuse. Credit to Louisville, they got the win, but yeah, bitterly disappointed. We were pleased with our structure, how we coached the game and how we started, but goals change the momentum of games and conceding them and being behind makes the task a bit more difficult. We couldn't quite pull it back and it was frustrating to come away with no points. We'll dust ourselves down and get ready to perform again on the weekend."

On the logistics with Casey Stoney unavailable to be with the team due to Covid-19 Protocols

"Timeline wise it's Covid protocol and we'll let the medical staff follow that Covid protocol. Hopefully Casey [Stoney] will join us as soon as possible. We're frustrated. We wanted to put on a performance and get a result, but Casey would be really proud because she has created such a positive environment for all the players and staff to go out and perform. It was a collaborative effort and we're obviously in contact with Casey so we'll review and reflect together now and start preparing the team for the next performance. Hopefully, Casey will join us soon."

SD Wave defender Abby Dahlkemper:

On today's equal pay announcement for USWNT

"I think it's very clear that [Vlatko Andonovski] and the [USWNT] coaching staff really values playing in the NWSL. They reward players that are doing well in the league. It's an amazing incentive and credit to the USWNT for ratifying this new CBA. It's game changing and it's not only going to affect women's soccer in the US, but throughout the whole world. We'll continue to keep driving the standard, passing the torch down and it's exciting for the future generation.

On Louisville

"They're a good team. I think they learned a lot last year and they're making strides forward. They have a very dangerous attacking threat and they're good in attacking transition, and they're dangerous in set plays, which can sometimes cost you a game. It's unfortunate, but like Emily [van Egmond] said, this is the strongest league in the world ... and you have to come out and perform every game or else you're going to get beat. On the road, it's even harder. Credit to them, but we have to learn and get better for the next game."

SD Wave midfielder Emily van Egmond:

On how deep the NWSL is

"I definitely think it's the strongest league in the world. Credit to Louisville, they came out and gave a good performance. Like Abby said earlier, there's a lot of learnings and positives to take away for us.

On Louisville

"Like Abby [Dahlkemper] said, they did not have that many chances. Our defense was solid tonight, we just have to take our chances and be ruthless, not only in our attacking third but, again, a set piece cost us tonight. We have to look to be better towards North Carolina."

On preparing for North Carolina Courage this coming Sunday

"Recovery is most important at the moment. Every game is competitive, it is very important we go into each game with the mindset of getting three points"

Check out the San Diego Wave FC Statistics

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