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In a highly anticipated round 10 clash of the NWSL season, Angel City FC and San Diego Wave FC played to a goalless draw before a lively crowd of 19, 103 at BMO Stadium. The match, characterized by strong defensive efforts and strategic gameplay, saw both teams unable to capitalized on their scoring opportunities
The first half ended without goals despite promising build-up play from both sides. San Diego's Elyse Bennett received an early yellow card in the 2nd minute, setting a physical tone for the rest of the match.
Angel city displayed disciplined defense, receiving three yellow cards: Katie Tweed in the 57th minute, Paige Nielsen in the 69th minute, and Marleen Nabet in the 90+8th minute. They made strategic substitutions in the second half, with Bihan and Spencer making way for Kennedy and Mary in the 62nd and 63rd minute respectively. Later substitutions included Jones for Sofia and Elyse for Alex in the 63rd minute, as well as Hammond for Nabet and Thompson for Merritt in 73rd and 79th minute for Angel city and Maria for Kyra and Kristen for Emily in the 74th minute.
Angel City's goalkeeper, Dijana Haracic, was outstanding throughout the match, making several crucial saves to keep her team in the game. Her most notable save came in the final seconds, denying San diego a potential game-winner and preserving the clean sheet. Haracic reflected on her performance, saying, "it's a routine it's My habit, the goal is to keep the ball out of the net."
San diego coach Casey stoney expressed her frustration with the result: "Very disappointed we didn't walk away with the win and just left with 1 point. "In the box, we were dangerous" she stated. She also mentioned, "the crossing was on point, but we need to do better in those moments and make better decisions."
San diego midfielders Savannah McCaskill and Danielle Colaprico also reflected on the atmosphere and their performance, "I love playing in this stadium I love the atmosphere. I love coming back to a place where I have good memories. Even thought I played here, I would have liked to leave with a win," stated ex Angel city and current San diego wave player Savannah McCaskill. Danielle colaprico mentioned, " We were creating chances in the final third but weren't getting the shots and we need to the put the ball in the back of the net. Although Angel city were an issue. We had belief we would win."
Angel city coach Becki Tweed praised her teams mental resilience: "the biggest positive this game is we showed a great mental state, we have crumbled in the last 9 minutes in the past few weeks, but this time everyone was in. The second half we were much better"
Match statistics:
Possession Angel city 51.4%, San Diego 48.6%
Expected goals (xG): Angel city 1.00, San Diego 1.49
Total shots: Angel city 11, San Diego 13
Shots on target: Angel city 5, San Diego 4
Passing accuracy: Angel city 80.7%, San Diego 76.9%
Corners: both teams won 5 corners
Fouls: Angel city 8, San Diego 11
Yellow cards: Angel city , San Diego 1
Despite the draw, both teams showcased strong defensive capabilities and highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in converting chances in the final third. The result leaves fans eagerly anticipating their next fixtures as both teams looks to build on their performances.
Angel city next game will be on Saturday, June 8 at NJ/NY Gotham and San Diego next game will be Friday, June 7 vs Orlando pride in San diego
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