Wave return to NWSL with scoreless draw against NC Courage

Trinity Armstrong featured as center back in San Diego Wave’s return to NWSL action. The Wave played the North Carolina Courage to a scoreless draw. (Photo courtesy: San Diego Wave FC)

San Diego Wave FC returned to NWSL action after a month-long break to play the North Carolina Courage to a scoreless draw on the road.

In their last meeting the Wave won 5-2, but it took a long while before either team found an offensive rhythm.

“I think both teams caused each other a little bit of problems in the way that we position and the way that we possess the ball,” Wave head coach Jonas Eidevall said. “I think in the second half we grew into that half. They had a few counter attacks, but other than that we were very dominant. We pushed them back, we established play, our pressing worked much much better.

“I think we got a good momentum and we created better goal-scoring opportunities than they did in the second half. We’re not happy we’re not winning the game.”

The Wave featured a different front line with Kyra Carusa at striker and Adriana Leon playing on the left wing in place of María Sánchez, who was transferred to Tigres UANL Femenil and Kimmi Ascanio who started in the midfield.

The two did not create much in the first half, but the team got some momentum after substitutes in the second half brought on Gia Corley and Makenzy Robbe to the attack.

Corley’s addition in the 57th minute brought a new dynamic to the front line including some of the best shots of the night, but none would get past the hands of NC Courage’s goalkeeper, Casey Murphy.

“(Gia Corley) means a lot, when she’s playing her best level, like I think she was when she came on today,” Eidevall said. “(Corley’s) electric, that’s probably the best word to describe her, she’s fundamental both in the way we possess the ball and how we press. I think it was a really strong sub from Gia and she was a really important part when we gained so much momentum in the second half.”

The Wave will return home for their next match on Saturday, August 9, against their Southern California rivals, Angel City FC.