The NWSL released the schedule for the 2023 season and stuck to its promise of releasing it earlier than last season – albeit by just one day. This day is one of the few during the season when all fans can look at their team with optimism and belief for its upcoming season — it's worth savoring.
The '23 Wave FC schedule in all its glory 🌊 pic.twitter.com/a2YUzpO49y
— San Diego Wave FC (@sandiegowavefc) February 8, 2023
San Diego Wave FC should be confident heading into its second NWSL season after an unprecedented first year. It became the first expansion team to make the playoffs in its first season and broke the NWSL attendance record for a regular season and playoff game in its new home, Snapdragon Stadium. The club also had last season’s NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year, Coach of the Year, Rookie and Defensive Player of the Year and Golden Boot winner.
Here is what to look forward to in Wave FC’s second NWSL season.
Opening game
Wave FC opens its 2023 campaign at Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday, March 25 at 7 p.m. PT against a familiar foe, Chicago Red Stars. Although the club has played just one season, there is already a lot of history between the two sides.
Young phenom Jaedyn Shaw made her debut against the Red Stars, scoring the lone goal in the first half of a 1-0 road win. The three points were cemented by a Kailen Sheridan penalty save in the closing stanza of the match.
The two teams matched up in the first round of the playoffs. Wave FC capped off its stunning 2-1 comeback win with an Alex Morgan goal in the second half of extra time, advancing to the NWSL semifinals.
Back for season two. You ready, SD? pic.twitter.com/9LidkG80O4
— San Diego Wave FC (@sandiegowavefc) February 8, 2023
And finally, Wave FC signed two Red Stars players in free agency this offseason.
Versatile winger Rachel Hill played in Chicago between 2020 and 2022 and finished last season with a goal, 19 chances created, and 31 tackles. She signed a two-year contract, keeping her with the Wave through the 2024 season.
Wave FC also signed highly coveted free agent midfielder Danny Colaprico to a two-year deal. Colparico won the 2015 Rookie of the Year with the Red Stars and has been on the NWSL Second XI in 2015, 2016 and 2017. She will be a mainstay in Wave FC’s midfield, a place that was a weakness for the club last season.
Being the first game of the season, both teams will bring energy. Add their intertwined narratives, and this game is sure to be one of the best games on opening day.
Chanclasico dates for 2023
Wave FC will renew its rivalry with Angel City FC four times this season, with the first game coming Sunday, April 23, at 5 p.m. PT at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.
The two SoCal clubs will next meet in San Diego on Saturday, June 17, at 1 p.m. PT.
The rival will also meet in the UKG Challenge Cup. The first matchup will be in L.A. on Wednesday, June 28, at 7 p.m. PT. Wave FC will conclude its Challenge Cup group stage by hosting ACFC on Saturday, Aug. 5, at 7 p.m. PT.
The teams split its battles last season, with both clubs winning at home. Against ACFC, Wave FC broke the NWSL regular attendance record as 32,000 fans watched the 1-0 win at Snapdragon Stadium.
2023 Challenge Cup dates
The 2023 Challenge Cup will be folded into the regular season schedule for the first time in its history. The tournament will start in April and conclude in September. The tournament is organized with each team corraled into one of three groups of four, with each team will face each opponent twice. The first-place team from each group (plus one additional team) will advance to the semifinals and finals in September. Last season, Wave FC finished third in its group, picking up just one win in six games.
Wave FC’s UKG Challenge Cup opponents and dates
- Portland Thorns, Wednesday, April 19, Snapdragon Stadium, 7 p.m.
- OL Reign, Wednesday, May 31, Snapdragon Stadium, 7 p.m.
- at Angel City FC, Wednesday, June 28, BMO Stadium, 7 p.m.
- at Portland Thorns, Friday, July 21, Providence Park, 7:30 p.m.
- at OL Reign, Friday, July 28, Lumen Field, 7 p.m.
- Angel City FC, Saturday, Aug. 5, Snapdragon Stadium, 7 p.m.
A Thorny set of matches
Wave FC will face off against the Portland Thorns four times during the 2023 season and twice in the Challenge Cup. The first regular season date will be in San Diego on Friday, May 26, at 7 pm. The club will head to Portland to face off on Saturday, Sept. 30, at 7:30 p.m. PT.
Last year, Wave FC beat the Thorns twice during the regular season but fell to the 2022 NWSL champions in the semifinals thanks to a Crystal Dunn striker in the dying minutes of stoppage time. It's likely Wave players will remember.
FIFA World Cup dates
The Women’s World Cup will take place over two months between June 20 through Aug. 20. In that span, Wave FC has eight games, four of which are the Challenge Cup dates. The club has consistently had five players represent their countries in national team tournaments: Canada's Kailen Sheridan, Sweden's Sofia Jakobsson, and the U.S.'s Alex Morgan, Naomi Girma and Taylor Kornieck. It is safe to assume Wave FC will have its depth tested during this two-month World Cup stretch.
Finishing at home
Wave FC will conclude its 2023 season at home, against Racing Louisville FC at 2 p.m. PT on Sunday, Oct. 15, as part of a new "Decision Day"-style set up in which all the teams play on the last day at the same time simultaneously, versus last year's more spread-out final weekend. While Racing Louisville missed the playoffs last season, it went unbeaten against Wave FC with a win in Kentucky and a draw in SoCal. If the NWSL season is anything like last season, this game will be extremely important to the club's standings heading into the postseason. It will be the last of 14 Wave FC home matches, including the Challenge Cup dates.