Melanie Barcenas, 16, Scores First Pro Goal as the Wave Defeats Portland 2-0

It’s been frustrating. San Diego Wave players recently have made numerous attempts on target. But goals and winning results have been elusive.

That changed Saturday night. Attempts found the back of the net.

The Wave (5-10-7, 22 points) defeated Portland Thorns (8-10-4, 28 points) 2-0 at Snapdragon Stadium, gaining three points in National Women’s Soccer League standings.

The Wave moved into 10th place. (But only the first eight teams make it to the playoffs.)

Clairemont native Melanie Barcenas, 16, scored her first professional goal in the 74th minute. In the 69th minute, forward Mya Jones, 23, scored the second goal of her rookie season.

And goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan was in great form, making six saves and recording her fifth shutout of the season.

Defender Naomi Girma also crushed Thorn attempts to score.

After coming close to scoring on numerous occasions to start the second half, San Diego eventually scored with 20 minutes remaining when rookie Jones scored.

The Wave earned a free kick on the left side that midfielder María Sánchez curved into the box. Defender Kristen McNabb went above the Portland defenders and headed the ball towards goal where Jones was able to power through and head the ball to the back of the net.

Five minutes later, Barcenas doubled the lead for the Wave.

After beating her defenders, the San Diego native took a left-footed shot that took a deflection off a Portland defender and into the near post for the second-year professional to earn her first goal.

Forward María Sánchez recorded her team-leading fourth assist for San Diego. Ten of the last 14 Wave goals involved the Mexican international captain.

It was the second win against Portland this month. San Diego beat the Thorns Sept. 18 in a Concacaf Championship match.

Thorns star Sophia Smith missed Saturday’s match. She recently suffered an ankle injury.

The Wave hosted the club’s annual Latino Heritage Night.

As part of the night, the club hosted El Remate de Nocha Latina with entertainment from Mariachi Internacional San Diego, a Ballet folklórico group, local San Diego lowrider clubs and a photo op with luchadores.

Defender Kaitlyn Torpey made her first appearance since June 28 after suffering a lower leg injury and being a part of the Australian Olympic team.

Portland and Canadian national team star Christine Sinclair announced that this season would be her last. San Diego gifted the international star a surfboard, honoring her legacy with a piece of America’s Finest City.

San Diego travels to face Vancouver Whitecaps FC for the club’s third group stage match of the Concacaf W Champions Cup at BC Place on Tuesday, Oct. 1.

Kickoff is slated for 6:30 p.m. with the match broadcast live on CBS Sports Golazo Network.