San Diego Wave FC looks to get back to the same level of play it had last season when facing Bay FC on Saturday night at Snapdragon Stadium.

Despite only playing four games this season, which along with Gotham FC, is one fewer than the rest of the league, SD Wave has been up and down with its lone victory coming at home on March 29 versus the Seattle Reign.

What complicates matters on Saturday is that San Diego will be without the services of midfielder Melanie Barcenas and forward Alex Morgan, who suffered an ankle injury in the recent 1-0 road defeat at the Orlando Pride on April 19.

The recent signing of El Tri Femenil star María Sánchez will come in handy for head coach Casey Stoney as it faces a team in its inaugural season.

“San Diego is a city that loves fútbol,” said Sanchez. “I was happy with the welcome I received at my arrival. This is a city full of fans that take pride in supporting the San Diego Wave and I hope to make them proud as well.”

Sánchez arrived at San Diego International Airport on Wednesday to dozens of fans waving San Diego Wave and Mexico flags as the Liga MX and former Houston Dash veteran took selfies and received hugs from those present.

Bay FC is in eighth place in the standings and is coming off a 5-2 defeat to league-leader Kansas City Current on April 20 after a 3-2 home victory over Seattle. The team from the Bay Area that plays its home games at PayPal Park in San Jose, has the second-worst defense giving up 12 goals this season for a 2.4 average compared to San Diego, which has the best defense giving up only three goals for a 0.75 average.

Photo by David Frerker