MLS Multiplex
Fansided

San Diego Wave on alert against Chicago Red Stars

With a surprising losing streak, the San Diego Wave are struggling to find their form and save their season

By Izabelle Franca

Jul 1, 2023; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; San Diego Wave FC midfielder Danielle Colaprico (24) controls the ball during the second half against the Chicago Red Stars at SeatGeek Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 1, 2023; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; San Diego Wave FC midfielder Danielle Colaprico (24) controls the ball during the second half against the Chicago Red Stars at SeatGeek Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports / Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports
facebooktwitterreddit

The San Diego Wave (3-5-6) are facing a crisis that nobody saw coming. After a brilliant season last year, securing the Shield, the team simply can't find its winning form again, even after taking the Challenge Cup earlier this year. Without a win since May, the pressure is on. Now the team returns home to Snapdragon Stadium hoping to change that narrative against the Chicago Red Stars (5-7-2).

It's amazing how unpredictable soccer can be. However, there is hope. Mya Jones, the newcomer who has been surprising everyone, scored her first professional goal against NJ/NY Gotham FC and showed that she has plenty of talent to be a key player in this recovery. The young striker, chosen with the 42nd pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft, has started eight of the last nine matches as a starter, proving that she has the potential for great things.

Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter).

On the other hand, the Chicago Red Stars, led by Mal Swanson, won't make life easy for San Diego. Swanson, who has shone with goals and assists, is coming off an impressive run. Her fifth goal of the season and crucial assists have shown her to be one of the most dangerous players in the league. In the last match against the North Carolina Courage, Swanson opened the scoring and added an assist in the last minute to secure the draw for her team.

The record between the two teams is favorable to the Wave, with a 3-1-0 record over the Red Stars. But the last meeting, a 1-0 defeat, is still fresh in the minds of players and fans. It was a game decided in the final minutes of the first half, with a header from Ella Stevens after a perfect cross from Tatumn Milazzo. The Wave's defense couldn't afford to falter this time.

So what can we expect from this match? Will the San Diego Wave be able to turn around their poor run of form and give their fans something to cheer about? Or will the Chicago Red Stars, buoyed by the brilliant form of Mal Swanson, pull off another crucial win? One thing is certain: the game promises strong emotions and a lot of tension.

For San Diego, every game is now a battle. Confidence is shaken, but the talent is there. With a new captain, the tide could be turning in the Wave's favor and put an end to this terrible run.

feed