Sunday saw the San Diego Wave visit Angel City in Los Angeles for the first time this season. This budding local rivalry between California’s NWSL clubs had a lot of excitement going into the match. It ended in a 2-0 win for San Diego thanks to a stellar birthday performance that spoiled the return of a beloved veteran of the opposing team. Here are three Wave post-match talking points after their big road win.
Another chapter in this growing rivalry ✔️#LAvSD presented by @Nationwide pic.twitter.com/xKvmaulsIn
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 24, 2023
San Diego Wave FC Post Match: Wave Wins On The Road
Sofia Jakobsson Birthday Goal Difference in Victory
Sunday was a special day for the Wave’s Sofia Jakobsson in more ways than one. The Swedish international was celebrating her 33rd birthday. After a scoreless first half from both sides, Jakobsson came off the bench at the start of the second half. 25 minutes later, Jakobsson scored what would end up being the game-winning goal n the 70-minute. A Makenzy Doniak goal five minutes later made it 2-0 and secured three points for the away side.
Julie Ertz’s Return Spoiled By Wave
After a two-year absence from NWSL, USWNT star, and World Cup champion Julie Ertz returned to league play and started the match against San Diego. Both Angel City and the Wave were the top choices for the free-agent superstar. Ertz eventually signed with Angel City after joining the USWNT for their warm-up matches against Ireland. Ertz left her debut with Angel City after 72 minutes. Regardless the team named her the player of the match and hopes she will make an impact as a veteran leader for the prominent LA club.
Wave Post Match Back in Top Three
The Wave are back to their winning ways after losing their last league match in Seattle against the OL Reign on April 15. However, this was followed by a midweek win over first-place Portland Thorns 1-0 to open their Challenge Cup campaign.
Now, after their victory against Angel City, San Diego finds themselves in third place on nine points. Their next match is Saturday, April 29 against last-place Orlando Pride. Orlando has yet to register a point this season and will make the trip to San Diego. Even though the parity of NWSL proves that there are no easy opponents, the Wave have put themselves in a position to continue their winning streak.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports of the San Diego Wave Headshot on April 23, 2023.
