Wave crushed in 4-1 defeat against KC; Eliminated from playoff contention

It’s almost over. 

San Diego Wave FC lost 4-1 in an away match against the Kansas City Current effectively eliminating them from NWSL playoff contention.

“It’s been a difficult year. It’s been a disappointing year for everyone, but they get up every time and  go again and that’s all I can really judge them on right now,” said Donovan. “It’s been really hard on them, but they’ve never quit and I give them a lot of credit for that.”

The Wave were outclassed in their match against the Current who have scored more goals than any other team this season with 54 led by the golden-boot leader, and likely NWSL MVP, Temwa Chawinga.

The Current scored their first goal in the 22nd minute after taking advantage of a quick counter attack. A cross went into the box just after Wave defenders tracked back, and Kaitlyn Torpey managed to stop the ball, but the deflection landed perfectly in Michelle Coopers path to shoot it in to make it 1-0. 

The second goal came in the next 10 minutes as Kansas City kept their press forward creating many opportunities before forcing a huge error by the Wave’s goalkeeper, Kailen Sheridan. The Current had another counter attack and a ball that was headed out of play near the endline. Cooper sent in a cross toward the back post, and Sheridan tried to jump and catch it, but the ball bounced off her hands into the goal to make it 2-0.

Kansas City saw two more goals, one from Chawinga and another from her substitute, Brazilian standout, Debinha. 

The Wave did manage to avoid a shutout as Delphine Cascarino sent in a wonderful goal from just barely inside the final third of the pitch that curved into the net to make a final score of 4-1. 

“It’s been hard to just find continuity,” Donovan said. “While there’s been moments that have been great, ultimately the kind of lack of cohesion and lack of  consistent lineup, (and) players playing together has an impact on scoring goals. That’s the hardest part.” 

As it stands The Wave lie in second-to-last place before their final match on Sunday, November 3, against Racing Louisville, who could be fighting for the final playoff spot depending on other results that weekend.