Wave extend winless streak to nine
Alex Morgan takes a shot at the top of the box. Morgan has not scored a goal in the 2024 season.(Photo credit: San Diego Wave FC)
SAN DIEGO, Calif. — San Diego Wave FC lost 1-0 against the fifth-place Portland Thorns at Providence Park on Friday, July 5.
The loss extends their winless streak to nine matches and their last three matches without a goal scored.
“I’m gutted, I’m absolutely gutted for the players, for the staff, our fans, because we’ve got nothing for our troubles in the last few games,” interim head coach Paul Buckle said. “We’ve put an awful lot of effort in both games, we’ve created chances and again tonight.”
The Wave out possessed the Thorns and played with a strong press, but left themselves open to many counter-attacking opportunities throughout the match that eventually forced a mistake by the Wave’s defense.
The best opportunity for the Wave came in the 38th minute following a set piece opportunity in the opposition's final third. Makenzy Doniak recovered a deflection from outside the box and sent a cross in the air in front of the goal. No Wave players could reach the ball in the air, but María Sánchez managed to tap the ball back into the middle where Alex Morgan stood to tap it into the back of the net.
However, the referee quickly called the play offsides. She waited for some time to determine the call was correct according to the VAR officials, and confirmed her decision.
“The goal, I didn’t think was offside,” Buckle said. “I’ve seen (that) moment a million times in football and straight away I thought Alex (Morgan) was behind the play, and I’ve had several texts to confirm that. If that goes in it’s a different game, and there’s is tight and they get it.”
Portland’s strong offense finally took advantage of defensive mistakes by the Wave in the 85th minute after multiple defenders were unable to fully clear the ball. Janine Becky, who had been putting forth a strong effort throughout the match, received a pass down the right side of the pitch and sent a perfect cross to Izzy D’Aquilla making a run inside the box. D’Aquila put it in through the legs of Kailen Sheridan to make it 1-0.
Just minutes earlier the Wave’s 16-year-old forward came on as a substitute and nearly made magic happen. She received a great long pass from Savannah McCaskill before taking a touch to control the ball, then sent a strong shot on goal directly to the goalkeeper who managed to punch it away for a corner kick.
The Wave will take a break from regular season NWSL action before playing in the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup. Their first match will mark a return to the Wave’s first home, Torero Stadium, against Bay FC on July 20.
