San Diego Wave FC enters its third season in the NWSL with high aspirations after winning the Supporters’ Shield in 2023 and having already re-signed midfielder Makenzy Doniak, defender Christen Westphal, along with forwards Amirah Ali and Jaedyn Shaw.

The team, led by head coach Casey Stoney, also recently acquired the services of two experienced players in forward Elyse Bennett and Savannah McCaskill.

Bennett helped OL Reign reach the championship match last season becoming the first pick in the 2024 NWSL Expansion Draft for the Utah Royals soon after, and then being traded to the San Diego Wave for allocation money.

“She is a young and dynamic player that is a threat in the attacking third and is an important addition to the team as we continue to build for the 2024 season,” said San Diego Wave general manager Molly Downtain.

McCaskill became a free agent after last season with Angel City FC. On Dec. 20, she signed with the Wave for a three-year contract.

The Wave reached the semifinal round in 2023 for a second-straight season falling to OL Reign 1-0 at Snapdragon Stadium on a 47th minute goal by forward Veronica Latsko after earning a bye in the quarterfinal round thanks to finishing with the best regular-season record.

San Diego Wave will still have the services of Naomi Girma who won the NWSL Defender of the Year award last season helping lead the team to the second-best goal differential with a +9 and tied for the second-best defense giving up only 22 goals in 22 regular-season games.

Alex Morgan will be returning as well after having won the NWSL Golden Boot in 2022 and leading the team in scoring last season. She is also among the nominees for the 2023 FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World 11 as voted by fellow players.

Photo courtesy: David Frerker