Just when it looked like the San Diego Wave was going to come out with its fourth-straight victory, a controversial penalty kick in the dying seconds was awarded in favor of the Portland Thorns, which was converted moments later by defender Jayden Perry ending the match in a 1-1 draw.

That call was not even the most questionable one in the match as Wave defender Kennedy Wesley was issued a 38th-minute red card in what replay showed was contact initiated on a breakaway by Portland midfielder Olivia Moultrie with her right shoulder and elbow.

“I’m incredibly proud of this group. I think we showed a lot of grit and resilience throughout the game and ultimately, I think, the result was out of our control,” said Wave goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan.

The Wave started off strong and capitalized early with a goal in the sixth minute from forward Kimmi Ascanio who headed the ball into the top corner past goalkeeper Bella Bixby. The Wave controlled the tempo and created better chances throughout the rest of the first half even after the red card was issued on Wesley.

“I think we’re very grateful to get the opportunity to showcase ourselves and to have a staff that trusts us out on the field,” said Ascanio. Her goal was the second as a professional for the 17-year-old with the first in the 3-0 road win over Chicago on April 26.

Wave head coach Jonas Eidevall made some adjustments and substitutions for the second half to fortify the backline and minimize any possession that could turn into quality scoring chances for the visitors.

What made the draw against Portland even more painful is that it would have put San Diego at the top of the NWSL table, even though momentarily, with the defending champion Orlando Pride. Instead, the Wave is in fourth place with 14 points, the same as its rival Angel City FC, but with a better goal differential.

“It feels like a loss. I feel like Portland was gifted a point,” Sheridan added. “It’s just about how we bounced back, and honestly for us to feel like that was a loss, I think is a great show of what we we expect from this group. We expect greatness, we expect points, and we are going to get them.”

San Diego Wave will travel to Sports Illustrated Stadium to play Gotham FC on May 16.

Photos by David Frerker