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Alex Morgan’s San Diego Wave Makes NWSL History in Their First-Ever Win Over Seattle Reign

Published 03/30/2024, 8:02 AM EDT

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Things have only been jubilant for the San Diego Wave in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Despite a 2-1 loss in their 2024 opener against KC Current, they have clawed back with a win to shatter another record. Under USWNT star Alex Morgan, the club is not only attracting a multitude of fans but also entertaining them by scoring goals. Thus, another milestone was unlocked by the Wave against last year’s runner-up, the Seattle Reign, after a 1-0 triumph.

In just their third season, the San Diego Wave has become a force to be reckoned with. Already securing two trophies on the trot, the club set a new NWSL record for scoring in the most consecutive regular season matches at home (13 games, excluding playoffs), according to Opta Stats Perform. This impressive feat also gave them their first-ever win against the Reign after nine attempts.

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San Diego Wave had a score to settle with the OL Reign. After they knocked Wave out of the playoffs last year, this victory feels like sweet revenge. Historically, the Reign has proven a troublesome opponent for Morgan’s team, with seven losses and two draws against them. The win wasn’t easy, though. The match remained scoreless after regulation time forcing an extra 13 minutes of nail-biting tension. Finally, in the 98th minute, Australian midfielder Emily van Egmond delivered the winning goal with a shot to the bottom right corner.

American Soccer Legend Alex Morgan Flexes NCAA Queen Caitlin Clark’s Iowa Jersey

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On the other hand, the Snapdragon Stadium appears to be a fortress for the Wave. Making its debut in just the 2022 season, San Diego has already had the record for the highest NWSL attendance in a home game opener with 32,066 fans. It was achieved recently during their game against KC Current, crossing their previously held a number of 30,854. Nevertheless, keeping records aside, the Wave will aim to make the most of their strong team this season.

Alex Morgan and San Diego Wave will look to ace NWSL in a tough year

San Diego has entered into the playoff qualification zone at #7 in the table after the recent win. But the focus will be on winning the Cup this season. However, with the USWNT having a busy year due to the Olympics, the San Diego Wave would need to manage their player’s workload efficiently. Four of their key players, Alex Morgan, Jaedyn Shaw, Naomi Girma, and Abby Dahlkemper, are in the USA squad for the 2024 SheBelieves Cup and have a high probability of making it to the games in Paris.

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Patrick Mahomes’ KC Current Hit by Big Injury Blow As Top Ace Gets Sidelined From NWSL for 3 Weeks, Per Reports

Meanwhile, Morgan’s fitness will be crucial for the 2023 Shield holders. Leading the team last year with 7 goals and 5 assists, the 34-year-old will aim to continue her NWSL form throughout 2024. And with support from the fans and a string squad, they certainly hold a chance to win a title this year.

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Written by:

Ruthu

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Ruthu is a Soccer Writer at EssentiallySports. Growing up in a sporting background, he found a passion for soccer through the remarkable 2002 World Cup-winning Brazilian team. Ruthu brings an out-of-the-box perspective with writing, as he possesses the ability to view the game from different critical angles, a skill that sets apart a sports journalist.
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Edited by:

Jacob Gijy