San Diego Wave will look to build off its 2-0 victory over the Utah Royals on Wednesday night when it faces defending champion Gotham FC on Sunday afternoon at Snapdragon Stadium. This will be the first time the two teams meet since their NWSL Challenge Cup final where SD Wave came out on top 1-0 thanks to a late goal by forward Alex Morgan.

The team, led by head coach Casey Stoney, expects to have the services of defender Kristen McNabb who received a red card in the final seconds against the Seattle Reign on May 3, which made her unavailable to play against Utah.

Gotham won the championship in 2023 after a dramatic 2-1 victory over OL Reign at Snapdragon Stadium. San Diego made it to the semi-finals last season but was eliminated by OL Reign 1-0 after finishing on top of the standings and taking the Supporters’ Shield trophy.

San Diego has been dealing with injuries to key players in recent matches, including midfielder Melanie Barcenas, along with forwards Sofia Jakobsson and Alex Morgan, plus defenders Naomi Girma and Abby Dahlkemper who hope to be available for this match.

The Wave got its goals in the match versus Utah from forwards Jayden Shaw via penalty kick conversion in the 35th minute and Makenzy Doniak on a breakaway opportunity in the 77th minute off a beautiful assist by Shaw.

The Wave will visit in-state rival Angel City FC at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on May 23.

Photo by San Diego Wave