The two remaining soccer teams, San Diego Wave and Albion San Diego were bounced out of the postseason in their respective leagues just one game short of the championship match this past weekend.
San Diego Wave fell 1-0 to OL Reign in the NWSL semifinals on Sunday thanks to a 47th-minute shot from forward Veronica Latsko, which went over the head of goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan and found the back of the net.
San Diego tried to create chances in the remaining minutes. Still, OL Reign was up to the task including a shot by Wave defender Christen Westphal in the 89th minute that was blocked by the Reign defender Alana Cook before it could beat goalkeeper Claudia Dickey. The five minutes of second-half added time did not create any other clear chances for the home team as the final whistle ended the hopes of a trip to the championship match for the top-seed.
“Obviously, bitterly disappointed,” said San Diego Wave head coach Casey Stoney after the game. “We just didn’t show the best of ourselves, I don’t think tonight. I said to them that they can be very proud of their season and very proud of what they’ve accomplished this year, but tonight is disappointing.”
San Diego Wave won the Supporters’ Shield after its 2-0 regular-season finale win over Racing Louisville, which helped clinch first place in the standings and a bye in the quarterfinal round. OL Reign made the playoffs as the fourth seed defeating Angel City FC 1-0 in the quarterfinal round to earn its trip to the semifinals.
The NWSL championship will be played on Saturday, Nov. 11 at Snapdragon Stadium between OL Reign and Gotham FC after its dramatic 1-0 upset victory over second-seed and reigning champion Portland Thorns.
Albión San Diego fell in the semifinal round to the Michigan Stars, 3-2, at Romeo Stadium on Saturday. After taking the early lead thanks to a goal by forward Alexander Dalou, Michigan took over by scoring three unanswered goals before Albion midfielder Shinya Kadono scored in the 82nd minute to give the team, led by head coach Diego Gomez, a chance at the end.
The final opportunity for Albion to tie came in the 95th minute of a corner kick that saw goalkeeper Ben Roach come down the pitch to join his teammates in the attack. Michigan’s defense could stand strong and prevent any clear shot on goal before the referee blew the final whistle.
The NISA final will be between Flower City Union, who upset top-seeded Chattanooga FC, and the defending champion Michigan Stars on Saturday, Nov. 11, or Sunday, Nov. 12 at Romeo Stadium.
San Diego Onda photo by David Frerker; Albion San Diego photo by John Cocozza Photography
