San Diego Wave FC earned a point in its NWSL regular-season opener with a 1-1 draw at Angel City FC on Sunday.
The Wave took the early lead in the fifth minute after forward Delphine Cascarino beat a defender, sprinted down the sideline, and passed to teammate Gia Corley inside the box, who slotted the ball by goalkeeper Angelina Anderson.
San Diego looked to be on the front foot for most of the first half but did need a couple of great saves from goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan. Angel City’s Alyssa Thompson broke free late in the first half but Sheridan made a tremendous diving save on the one-on-one chance to keep it 1-0 at halftime.
Angel City tied the match in the 54th minute when Thompson outmaneuvered two Wave defenders and beat Sheridan from close range. The rest of the second half saw the Wave with a moderated tempo and Angel City, looking to win in front of its fans, more aggressive offensively.
The night before their home opener, Angel City forward Sydney Leroux announced on social media that she was stepping away from the team to focus on her mental health.
San Diego Wave’s home opener against the Utah Royals will be at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, at Snapdragon Stadium.
Photo courtesy of San Diego Wave
