San Diego Wave FC defeated the Portland Thorns 2-0 at Snapdragon Stadium

SAN DIEGO (September 28, 2024) – San Diego Wave FC (5-10-7, 22 points) defeated Portland Thorns (8-10-4, 28 points) 2-0 on Saturday evening at Snapdragon Stadium.

After coming close to scoring several times early in the second half, San Diego finally scored with 20 minutes remaining when rookie forward Mya Jones scored her second goal of the season. The Wave earned a free kick on the left, which midfielder María Sánchez curled into the penalty area. Defender Kristen McNabb went over the Portland defenders and headed the ball toward the goal, where Jones broke through and headed the ball into the net.

Five minutes later, it was 16-year-old Melanie Barcenas who would double the lead for the Wave. After beating her defenders, the San Diego native fired a left-footed shot that deflected off a Portland defender and into the near post, giving the second-year pro player her first-ever goal.

Goaltender Kailen Sheridan recorded her sixth shutout of the season and made six saves on the night.

Next on the schedule: San Diego travels to the club's third Concacaf W Champions Cup group stage match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC at BC Place on Tuesday, October 1st. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. PT and the game will be broadcast live CBS Sports Golazo Network.

Social: Twitter – @sandiegowavefc | Instagram – @sandiegowavefc | Facebook

Notes:

• Clairemont native Melanie Barcenas scored her first professional goal tonight.
• Forward Mya Jones scored the second goal of her rookie season tonight.
• Forward María Sánchez recorded her team-leading fourth assist for San Diego. The Mexico international captain has been involved in 10 of Wave FC's last 14 goals.
• Goaltender Kailen Sheridan picked up her sixth shutout of the season, the first shutout win for the club since May 8th.
• The wave was host the annual club year Latino Heritage Night presented by McDonald's. On Thursday, Wave FC midfielders Melanie Barcenas and Maria Sanchez visited Escaramuza Charra Reynas Del Sola local equestrian team that represents the tradition, culture, roots and art of Mexico.
• The club hosted the evening El Remate de Nocha Latina with entertainment from Mariachi Internacional San Diego, a ballet folklórico group, local lowrider clubs in San Diego and a photo op with luchadores.
• Defender Kaitlyn Torpey made her first appearance since June 28 after suffering a lower leg injury and was part of Australia's national Olympic team.
• Portland Thorns and Canadian national team star Christine Sinclair announced that this season will be the last of her career as the legend retires. San Diego gave the world star a surfboardto honor her legacy with a piece of America's most beautiful city.
• Kyra Carusa (thigh), Savannah McCaskill (lower leg), Morgan Messner (hand) and Hanna Lundkvist (suspended) were not available for selection.

Box score:
San Diego Wave FC 2:0 Portland Thorns FC

Summary of points:
SD – Jones (2) 69'
SD – Barcenas (1) (Sánchez, 5) 74'

Summary of the misconduct:
None

San Diego Wave FC: GK Sheridan ©D Morroni (Shaw 75'), D Girma, D Wesley (Torpey 59'), D McNabb, M Doniak (Barcenas 59'), M Colaprico, M van Egmond, F Ali (Jones 59'), F Cascarino (Westphal 89 '), F. Sánchez

Unused subs: GK Beall, M Ascanio, F Bennett

Portland Thorns FC: GK Arnold, D Sauerbrunn ©, D Obaze, D Hubly (Payne 81'), M Reyes, M Müller, M Coffey, M Fleming (Spaanstra 89'), F Moultrie, F Sinclair (D'Aquila 81'), F Weaver (Linnehan 70')

Unused subs: GK Hogan, D Klingenberg, M Sheva, M Wade-Katoa

Summary of statistics: SD/POR
Shots: 15/16
Shots on target: 4/6
Corners: 4/3
Fouls: 8/11
Offside: 0 / 0
Saves: 6 / 2
Ownership: 59% / 41%