Both San Diego Wave FC and Angel City FC exude hope for the NWSL

In front of an NWSL record 32,000 fans, San Diego Wave FC gave the crowd exactly what they wanted: A win. Wave FC defeated Angel City FC 1-0 behind Jaedyn Shaw’s first-half goal and Kailen Sheridan’s penalty save. It was an important win because it was the first time the team had much of San Diego’s attention. Instead of playing in front of 6,000 at Torero Stadium, it was five times that. The win was proof to the city of San Diego that Wave FC are real and its games are fun.

The win was also important because it put Wave FC back on top of the table. With the Kansas City Current and Portland Thorns tying 1-1, Wave FC is all alone in first place with 34 points.

Let’s look at the main takeaways from one of the biggest games in NWSL history.

Winning ugly

This is a phrase Wave FC head coach Casey Stoney likes to use to describe most of her team's wins. And in this case, it is true. “We weren't great, but I think when you can not play well and still win,” Stoney said. “That's the sign of a good team.” Wave FC did not play their best game and still won. 

It was offside six times, had less passes in the opposition's half than ACFC and gave up a late PK (albeit one that Sheridan saved). For most teams, these stats would result in a loss. But Wave FC found a way a win. It is a statement of the players, who managed the moment as best they could. 

“This was a pressure moment some of these players have never faced before,” Stoney said. “I probably need to take that into account.”

Yes, it was a pressure moment. And due to big plays from players in big moments, Wave FC rose to the occasion and walked away from its Snapdragon Stadium debut with three points. 

“To be honest," Stoney confessed, "I wanted this game out of the way.”

Lineup changes

Wave FC made two distinct lineup changes for this game. Both Abby Dahlkemper and Makenzy Doniak started for Wave FC. Dahlkemper’s first start since July 30 and Doniak’s first start since July 15.

(Also, Christen Westphal did start after two straight games off the bench, but she has been the consistent right back for Wave FC all year.)

Dahlkemper finished with two clearances, four recoveries and a 74% passing accuracy. Her lack of playing time was performance-based according to Stoney, who said she liked how Dahlkemper would match up against ACFC. Kaleigh Riehl has been starting in place of her.

“I was really focused on what I could control and that was my performances in practice and staying healthy and staying available,” Dahlkemper said. “ I tried to control what I could control and was really thankful I was able to step back out on the field and we were able to win” 

What cannot be overstated is Dahlkemper’s veteran presence and leadership on this team. Even after not playing for over a month, Dahlkemper was named the captain for the match. Considering the match was played in front of the biggest crowd in NWSL history, it's a good idea to start a player who has experience playing in front of large crowds.

As for Doniak, the usual striker started at the right midfield position and played 59 minutes. She finished with a shot on target, a chance created and 73% passing accuracy. Defensively, she had a clearance, interception and four recoveries. Doniak’s play in the midfield offers Wave FC even more depth. One of the strengths of this team has been its versatility to plug in players at several different positions and still have success. Doniak is a prime example of that. 

The NWSL is thriving

For Wave FC and ACFC, the main goal Saturday night was to attain three points and help its playoff pushes. For the rest of the NWSL and its fans, it proved people are paying attention to and enjoying women's soccer. 

“I think people will value our league the way we value ourselves,” NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman said at halftime of the game. “And if [we] play in small stadiums and treat ourselves like we're not a real professional league, I think it'll be hard to command the kind of respect and credibility that we want.”

With 32,000 fans at the game, the NWSL is showing it should command respect from casual sports fans and other leagues. 

“To think there wasn't a team in California before this year is just crazy,” Alex Morgan said. “Seeing the fan base with Wave FC and Angel City FC is incredible.”

To have fans from both sides attend the game and create the largest crowd in NWSL history is also important. These fans were not just here to break a record, but to watch their team win.

And these fans made an impact. Whether it was after Shaw’s goal or Sheridan’s penalty save, the fans made themselves heard. 

“It feels incredible to win for our fans,” Stoney said. “And as someone who has been involved in this game for 30 years, I've waited for this moment.”