The ball's still rolling behind the scenes at San Diego Wave FC, but not on the field this time. The team is on the verge of announcing who will step in as their permanent head coach after Landon Donovan’s brief stint as interim manager.
Donovan had his shot with the clipboard when he stepped in this past August. His record? Let’s just say it wasn’t anything to write home about: 3 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw in 10 league matches. It was a rollercoaster ride, though more downs than ups. That said, credit where it’s due: Donovan did show some fight in the Concacaf W Cup, securing 2 wins in 3 games. It was enough to keep things afloat, but let’s face it, Wave fans want more.
Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter).
As it stands, Donovan is stepping away with a warm “thank you” from the club. They’ve acknowledged his efforts, and to be fair, his presence brought a certain weight and credibility to the team. But here’s the thing, Donovan perfectly symbolizes where San Diego Wave FC stands right now. It’s a club bursting with potential but still figuring out how to turn that into consistent success.
San Diego Wave FC isn’t just another team hunting for a head coach. This is a club with a loyal, passionate fanbase that’s already shown flashes of brilliance. But so far, those moments have been just that, flashes. The next coach stepping into this role won’t have an easy task. There’s pressure to deliver results for the fans, navigate the ever-watchful press, build a winning culture, and take on the league’s big hitters. Think that’s no big deal? Ask Donovan how it felt to shoulder that weight.
This isn’t just a turning point for the Wave; it’s a pivotal moment for women’s soccer in the U.S. Every decision from a major club like San Diego Wave FC helps shape the bigger narrative of how the sport is evolving. Landing the right coach isn’t just about piling up wins, it’s about setting the tone for something greater.