San Diego Wave falls short to Washington Spirit in the nation's capital.
On Saturday evening, Wave went into Washington D.C.'s Audi Field to seek another big victory in their quest for a league title in their inaugural season.
Wave fell 4-3 in a match where they conceded three goals in the first half, then they came back in stunning fashion to tie the match, but eventually fell in the final minute of the match to a Spirit penalty for a fourth goal.
San Diego Wave FC head coach Casey Stoney spoke after the match to give credit to her team for making it interesting with their comeback later in the game.
“I have to massively credit my girls coming back into the game in the second half. We get back level, then we had loads of chances. I think we were worthy of a point, albeit, we weren’t at our best. And then we had more chances, and they go down and get a penalty because I think we lacked a little bit of game management in the last minutes of the game. So, I’m disappointed for the players because I think they massively fought to get back in the game, and they showed huge spirit and character, but obviously, our luck ran out in the end with the penalty," Stoney said.
However, Wave's head coach also gave credit to their opponents for playing their cards right in their game plan, in particularly delivering dangerous chances in transition in key moments of Saturday's match.
“We know that they’re (Washington) a team that are very dangerous in transition, and unfortunately, we kept giving them transition moments in key areas, and it cost us goals in the end," Stoney added.
The Wave are making the way back home as they await their home opener at Snapdragon Stadium this Saturday, September 17, where they will face Angel City at 7 p.m.
San Diego and Portland Thorns are tied for first place in the NWSL with 31 points.
