Wave outclassed in 2-0 defeat against Club America
Wave goalkeeper Morgan Messner made her NWSL debut in the Wave’s 2-0 loss against Club America. Messner saved a free kick from a dangerous position on goal against Club America. (Photos courtesy of San Diego Wave FC)
San Diego Wave FC lost 2-0 against Liga MX side Club America in their second matchup of the NWSL x Liga MX Summer Cup at Snapdragon Stadium on Friday night.
Club America Mexican style of soccer provided a wrinkle the Wave had never faced before. Club America was faster and more confident with the ball on the attack with a high press that the Wave struggled to counter.
The Wave are still without many international players due to the Olympics, and lost multiple starters like Kennedy Wesley, Mya Jones and Kyra Carusa to injury.
One of the bright spots on the Wave was their third-string goalkeeper Morgan Messner who made multiple key saves from tough shots on goal.
“(Messner) was amazing, absolutely amazing. To come in at any time as a third-choice keeper is hard, let alone the day before, and she was ready, she made great saves,” Buckle said. “ I was disappointed for her that we conceded like we did, because maybe if it had gone to penalties it might have been her night, but she can be very very proud of her performance.”
Messner replaced Hillary Beal who Buckle said after the match broke a bone in her foot after kicking the goal post following a penalty kick save last week.
Messner took advantage of the opportunity, but her goalkeeping only kept them alive for so long as America came through in the 78th minute. It came during a corner kick set piece that the Wave defended poorly as multiple defenders were alone in the box allowing Karen Luna to run and jump into the perfect position to head the ball in making it 1-0.
The Wave kept the pressure on after the goal which created many chances and earned set piece opportunities in the opposing final third, but their high press left them overly exposed on the defensive end.
The Aguilas goalkeeper sent a long ball far while the Wave were high up letting the opposition flick a header backwards for forward Kiana Palacios who took advantage of a one on one opportunity and sent it into the back of the net to make it 2-0.
The Wave finish their group stage of the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil next week in an away match on Thursday, August 1, against Angel City FC at Cal State Fullerton’s Titan stadium.
