San Diego Wave look to repeat win against Thorns in league play

Game: San Diego Wave vs. Portland Thorns

Where: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego

When: Saturday, September 28, 2024

Time: 7:00 p.m. PST

TV: ION

Photo bySan Diego Wave

The San Diego Wave will host the Portland Thorns for a match in the 2024 NWSL regular season this Saturday, September 28.

The Wave recently defeated Portland 3-2 in a CONCACAF Champions Cup match this past September 18 at Snapdragon Stadium.

The win was a very surprising one for San Diego, but the team has been performing better recently, with two wins from their past three games in all competitions. The ongoing struggles that have plagued the Wave all season are still present, but playoffs are still mathematically possible.

Maria Sanchez was the star for San Diego in that last bout against Portland, scoring a hat-trick in front of the home crowd. Sanchez will have some extra motivation for this game with the Wave celebrating Latino Heritage Night. There will be several festivities that include mariachi, ballet folklorico, and a beer garden.

There will also be a Maria Sanchez poster giveaway along with a San Diego Wave captain armband giveaway.

San Diego is coming off a 1-0 loss to Chicago in league play and is still trying to adjust after Alex Morgan's retirement. Mya Jones started the game as a striker against Chicago but was subbed off for Amirah Ali.

The Wave controlled possession against the Red Stars, but were stopped by Alyssa Naeher and were plagued by inconsistencies in the offense. San Diego now desperately needs Jaedyn Shaw to step back in her usual vital role and more minutes should be coming her way soon. The creativity in the attack has been handled by Maria Sanchez and Delphine Cascarino, who have found moments of magic working together.

Portland Thorns is one of the teams right on the edge of the playoff race, currently in seventh place with 28 points. The Pacific Northwest squad is on a four-game winless streak in all competitions, coming off a 2-2 draw against Angel City. The undeniable star on Portland is Sophia Smith, who scored against San Diego last time out.

However, an ankle injury kept Smith out of the last game against Angel City and has the potential to sideline her for this match. The midfield led by Samantha Coffey and Olivia Moultrie is the most intriguing component of this Portland side and it will be interesting to see that impact i this game.

San Diego only has five games remaining in the NWSL regular season as all games are must-wins at this stage of the competition.