San Diego Wave goes on the road on Friday, April 19 looking to get back in the win column versus Orlando Pride at Inter&Co Stadium. San Diego is coming off a defensive and hard-fought scoreless tie on April 13 against Racing Louisville after defeating the Seattle Reign 1-0 at Snapdragon Stadium on March 29.

Orlando is undefeated with three draws and a victory, which came in the previous game against the Utah Royals by a score of 1-0. The Wave and Pride met twice during the 2023 regular season with Orlando coming out with a 3-1 victory in the first meeting on April 29 at Snapdragon Stadium, but with the Wave coming out on top in the rematch 2-1 on Aug. 25.

San Diego Wave sits in seventh place in the NWSL standings but has only played three regular season matches. Orlando Pride is in fifth place, led by the outstanding efforts of Brazilian national team legend midfielder Marta, who scored the game-winner versus Utah after coming off the bench.

“The world-class players will find a way,” said San Diego Wave head coach Casey Stoney. “I played against her in the 2012 Olympics, so I know Marta very well. Technically one of the best players I’ve ever seen play the game.”

The injury status of USWNT and San Diego Wave defender Naomi Girma is still up the air and could end up being a game-time decision. The 23-year-old Girma is the first pure defender to be named U.S. Soccer’s Female Player of the Year in the award’s 39-year history and started all four games for the U.S. women’s national team at the 2023 World Cup.

San Diego will return to Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday, April 27 to take on Bay FC.

Foto de David Frerker