This Tuesday, April 11, several women’s national teams had friendly games around the globe as three San Diego Wave players saw minutes with their respective national teams. There were also three players that were called up by their national teams and did not see any time on the field this time around.

Australia defeated England 2-0 in Brentford, England, but San Diego’s Emily van Egmond did not play for the Matildas due to reported medical problems. Luckily for the Wave, it is unlikely that van Egmond will be out for an extended period of time, and she should be match fit for the upcoming NWSL games.

For the USWNT, both Naomi Girma and Taylor Kornieck did not receive any playing time in the U.S.’s 1-0 win against the Republic of Ireland in St. Louis. Girma spent the 90 minutes on the bench, while Kornieck was scratched from Vlatko Andonovski’s game-day roster and did not even feature on the bench. Kornieck is not a lock to make Andonovski’s World Cup roster, as this is a very big scratch for the Wave player.

Kristie Mewis is Kornieck’s direct competition to make the U.S. World Cup squad, and the Gotham FC player did receive minutes against the Republic of Ireland.

Noami Girma does not have to worry much about her World Cup spot as she is a lock for the global competition, as she was given a rest to give Alana Cook a chance to get a start. Cook made the best out of her opportunity as she scored the eventual game-winning goal for the USWNT from a Hail Mary punt from halfway up the pitch to get the 1-0 victory against Ireland.

Can’t. Stop. Watching.

⚽️ @_alana_cook pic.twitter.com/40tQiXVd95

— U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) April 12, 2023

Alex Morgan started the match against the European side but only played the first 45 minutes before being replaced by Ashley Hatch. Morgan has a starting job secured for the USWNT at the World Cup and does not need to worry about her recent performances that have not been the best with the U.S. Morgan has been playing excellent with the San Diego Wave as she has three goals from two games played as she will look to continue that run of form in the Wave’s first road match this Saturday, April 11, against OL Reign.

Kailen Sheridan played the entire 90 minutes against France for Canada as the North American side suffered a 2-1 loss in Le Mans, France. Sheridan had a spectacular performance as she saved 11 out of 13 shots from Les Bleues, who maintained a consistent attack throughout the match.

France defeats Canada 2-1.

Jordyn Huitema with the lone goal for Canada while keeper Kailen Sheridan stopped 11/13 shots from the French attack. #CWNT pic.twitter.com/y1ZNq2iHbr

— Claire Hanna (@clahanna) April 11, 2023

Sofia Jakobsson also saw some action on Tuesday as she played 76 minutes in Sweden’s thrilling 3-3 draw against Norway. The match was filled with excitement as Norway was winning 2-1 up until the 83rd minute, a goal by Sweden and a goal from each team in stoppage time made for the final result.

The San Diego Wave now resume activities this next Saturday, April 15, as Casey Stoney’s team plays its first away game of the 2023 season against OL Reign. The Wave will return to San Diego on Wednesday, April 19, to play the Portland Thorns in their first NWSL Challenge Cup game of the season at Snapdragon Stadium.

Francisco Velasco

Francisco, 26, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego Loyal, San Diego Wave.