The San Diego Wave refuse to let go of the top spot of the National Womens Soccer League.
Over the weekend, the Wave went into Chicago and picked up a big 1-0 victory against a top 4 team in the league.
San Diego game Chicago Red Stars their first home loss of the season.
Just over a week ago, Jaedyn Shaw signed with San Diego Wave FC at the age of just 17. And as of this weekend, she holds to the title of being the youngest star to ever score in their National Womens Soccer League debut.
Wave head coach Casey Stoney says this match made her incredibly proud of the squad's performance in the Windy City.
Stoney emphasized the resiliency being displayed on behalf of her team in this match, including their fight and spirit on the road.
"I don't know how we won, but we won. I'm so proud of them. I don't think I've had a more proud moment as a head coach of this team. The resilience they showed, the way they stayed in the game, and our goalkeeper made another world class save. I know they had their chances and did not take them, but to come here and show the fight and spirit that we did, and go away with a win, it was a massive three points for us.
I was disappointed I could not get more players on the pitch, but the state of the game didn't really allow me to. I always want to try and get players on the pitch when I can, but it was a massive squad effort. This whole week they've had a great week of training. They had to stick it out tonight and it was a huge three points on the road. Sometimes on the road you have to find a way to win and they did that," Stoney said.
San Diego head coach also highlighted the importance of not only winning the game but also keeping a clean sheet, especially after Abby Dahlkemper received a red card and resulted in Wave playing with 10 players.
"It was incredible, selfless defending. I thought we blocked well, we defended the box very well, and they had a few chances they put wide, but our goalkeeper was outstanding, and our back four," Stoney said. "For Kaleigh Riehl to come on in a center back situation like that.. that is not easy at all to come on and get into the rhythm of the game. Naomi Girma was Naomi Girma. She was outstanding. The whole team was, from back to front. Alex, Amirah, and Kelsey, Taylor, they had to put an absolute shift in to cover the ground. Van Egmond, Briede, they all had to cover a lot of space with a player down. I am extremely pleased. I am immensely proud of the players sticking to the task and doing what they did. It was an amazing result."
And as for Kailen Sheridan, she has continued her journey on quickly becoming one of the better goalies in the NWSL. Stoney says there's no one else she'd rather have taking care of their net.
This is why she [Sheridan] is one of the best goalkeepers in the world making saves like that. I am really pleased she is in between our sticks and nobody else."
San Diego Wave will be making their way back home to host Kansas City this coming Sunday afternoon at Torero Stadium.
