Wave secure 1-1 draw against unbeaten Orlando Pride
San Diego Wave forward, Makenzy Doniak, celebrates her team-leading third goal to make it 1-1 against Orlando Pride.
San Diego Wave FC drew 1-1 against the unbeaten Orlando Pride on Friday night in front of 17,703 fans at Snapdragon Stadium thanks to a solid defense and resurgent offense in the second half.
The draw ended a historic 9-match winning streak for the Orlando Pride who had won all their matches dating back to March 29. The Wave for the first time this season had zero players on their injury report, and featured most of their best players in the starting XI, but some had more limits following international matches and travel that same week.
“I thought we played excellent,” Wave head coach Casey Stoney said after the match. “I think it’s the final third where we’re probably not executing where we need to be. We had good moments, we got into good spaces, but it was either a touch, decision or final action that let us down.”
The first goal for Orlando came in a transitional moment following a San Diego error on a set piece. María Sánchez took a corner kick from the left side, but sent in a weak ball that deflected toward the back of the penalty box. Kristen McNabb attempted to pass the ball to Colaprico at the top of the box but Orlando cleared the ball. The pride then sent a pass for their star striker Barbra Banda to run the ball down the field. Girma covered her to keep her on the wings, but as Banda arrived in the box she threaded a perfect cross to Julie Doyle who fell backwards to just manage and kick the ball with her right to make it 1-0.
The Wave held the possession advantage in both halves, but was much stronger in the second half. McNabb said that at halftime the team spoke about their need to take their time and be more patient with the ball.
The equalizing goal came in the 62nd minute with María Sánchez sending the ball into dangerous areas. Sánchez first took a shot from outside the box that was unexpected and deflected back to her. This time Sánchez took more time before sending in another ball toward the goal that the goalkeeper weakly punched away. Luckily for the Wave it landed right in front of Makenzy Doniak who was substituted on for Mya Jones at halftime. From just outside the 12-yard box Doniak paused and sent a low strike past the two Pride defenders and the goalkeeper to make it 1-1.
“Having Makenzy (Doniak) back tonight was huge. Her assists and goals in terms of stats have been really good this season. So having her as a goal threat and having her back was huge, and she came on and made a big impact for us,” Stoney said.
Immediately following the goal the Wave kept the pressure on with a few more big chances and shots, but few were on target. Stoney highlighted an important statistic following the match saying the Wave outshot the Pride 19 to 9, but the Pride had six on target while the Wave only had five.
“It’s about taking the shots quicker, making the right decisions, maybe moving the ball a little bit more, connecting a few more passes in the final third to get the right opportunities to shoot,” said Stoney.
San Diego will head out for a three-match away stretch starting with the Washington Spirit on June 15, and won’t return for a home match until June 28 when they take on the Chicago Red Stars.
