Wave knocked out of Summer cup
San Diego Wave FC tie Southern California rivals Angel City 0-0 at CSU Fullerton’s Titan Stadium. (Photo courtesy of San Diego Wave FC)
San Diego Wave FC were officially knocked out of the Summer Cup following a losing penalty shootout and scoreless draw against their Southern California rival Angel City FC.
“That was a top performance and at halftime I was fearful that we couldn’t maintain it, because normally when you have that much dominance it can switch,” Buckle said. “We looked like we were gonna win it, all but for a fabulous save from the keeper when young Mel comes on. We got creative at the corner which I loved. Given our changes, given how many players we have away at the Olympics, still to come here and get a draw is a top performance.”
The Wave employed a much higher press than normal that gave Angel City the possession advantage, but kept them from building great play.
The best offensive opportunities came in the second half with great shots by 16-year-old forward Melanie Barcenas. Barcenas came on in the 60th minute and played the 10 role instead of on the wings, which gave her more chances to facilitate positive offensive chances.
Though neither side managed to put one in the back of the net, sending the game into a penalty shootout because of the tournament style of the Summer Cup that assigns point totals to draws through penalty kicks.
Angel City went first in the shootout and made all five of their chances against Wave goalkeeper Morgan Messner. The players included Claire Emslie, Alyssa Thompson, Raquel Rodriguez, Kennedy Fuller and a returning Christen Press.
The Wave’s second shot-taker Amirah Ali shot was saved as she sent it weakly within reach of the goalkeeper DiDi Haracic. Three other Wave players made their shot including Savannah McCaskill, Makenzy Doniak and Melanie Barcenas.
The Wave will play their next match in the Concacaf W Champions Cup against Santa Fe FC in Panama City, Panama on August 20. Their next home match will be against Angel City FC on Saturday, August 24 in the return to the NWSL regular season.
