San Diego Wave FC returned to Snapdragon Stadium with fire in their boots, taking early control of the match against Orlando Pride. Right from the opening whistle, the Wave dictated the pace and demonstrated aggressive ball movement that left Orlando scrambling to adjust.
It didn’t take long for the home side to strike. In the 12th minute, forward Alex Morgan capitalized on a defensive miscue, slotting home a low shot to the far post and giving San Diego the early lead. The goal energized the crowd and set the tone for the match.
Midfielder Savannah McCaskill extended the lead in the 29th minute with a long-range effort that deflected off a defender and wrong-footed the Pride goalkeeper. Her celebration was a reflection of the team’s confidence and chemistry.
Orlando managed to pull one back just before halftime through Adriana, who converted a free kick from just outside the box. The goal offered a moment of momentum for the visitors, but the Wave quickly reasserted their dominance in the second half.
After the break, Jaedyn Shaw continued her impressive run of form, scoring in the 52nd minute after a precise through ball from Christen Westphal. Shaw’s composure and finishing ability have become a vital asset for the team this season.
Wave FC put the match beyond doubt in the 76th minute when defender Naomi Girma powered in a header off a corner kick. The goal was her first of the season and a fitting reward for her consistency on the defensive end.
With the win, San Diego Wave FC solidified their place in the top tier of the NWSL standings. Head coach Casey Stoney praised the squad’s focus and execution, emphasizing that this performance was one of their most complete efforts of the year.
