San Diego Wave came up with a huge three points last Saturday at Snapdragon Stadium thanks to its 2-0 victory over the Portland Thorns on Latino Heritage Night.

The win included the first goal as a professional by 16-year-old and Clairemont native Melanie Barcenas in the 74th minute on a left-footed shot that got deflected and beat the outstretched arm of goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold. Barcenas came in a substitute earlier in the game with her team already enjoying a 1-0 lead thanks to a 69th minute goal by teammate Mya Jones.

“I think that really gave us momentum and helped me score my goal,” said Barcenas. The Wave got another outstanding performance from goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan who tallied another shutout thanks to the contribution of the defensive line and midfield which controlled the tempo of the match throughout while minimizing the scoring chances for Portland.

The win moves San Diego to 10th place in the standings but still behind Bay FC, which currently holds the eight and final playoff spot, by six points after the expansion team came out with a dramatic 1-0 victory over the Seattle Reign. The Wave did get help from the Utah Royals thanks to its 2-1 home upset of Racing Louisville. Portland continues in freefall after Saturday’s loss and have not won a league match since July 5 when it defeated San Diego at Providence Park.

SD Wave have four more NWSL games remaining including its upcoming trip to North Carolina where the team, led by interim head coach Landon Donavan, will take on the fourth-seeded Courage on Saturday, Oct. 5.

The Wave now travel to take on the Vancouver Whitecaps on Tuesday night (Oct. 1) in the third group stage match of the CONCACAF W Champions Cup.

Photo courtesy of San Diego Wave FC