San Diego Wave looks to stay undefeated in NWSL Challenge Cup vs. OL Reign
Game: San Diego Wave vs. OL Reign
Where: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego
When: Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Time: 7:00 p.m. PST
TV: Paramount+
The San Diego Wave will play its second game in the 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup this Wednesday, May 31, against the OL Reign at Snapdragon Stadium. The Wave are on a three-game undefeated streak in regular season NWSL play, coming off a 1-1 draw against the Portland Thorns at home.
The Southern California team won its first Challenge Cup game against the Thorns, 1-0, at Snapdragon Stadium back on April 19. It was not the prettiest of games for the Wave, as an own goal by Meaghan Nally was the decider, but it was enough to get the three points on the night with a spectacular showing by goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan.
The Wave has a tough two-game road trip ahead against Gotham FC and Racing Louisville, as it will be interesting to see what lineup Casey Stoney presents for the match. Players like Jaedyn Shaw, Belle Briede, Amirah Ali, and Taylor Kornieck have recently featured on the bench and may get the opportunity to start this match.
Kornieck, who was a regular starter last season and at the beginning of this season, is just coming back from an injury, and this is a great opportunity to get back in rhythm against a very tough side. Kornieck offers several qualities in the midfield, both offensively and defensively, as the U.S. international has the ability to be a key player for the Wave once again.
There is also the possibility to see the 15-year-old phenom Melanie Barcenas, who has already received some minutes in NWSL and has shined. Barcenas is still adapting to the professional circuit, but she clearly has immense talent that has the potential to help out the Wave in the near future and present.
OL Reign is currently third in the NWSL regular season and is first in the Challenge Cup West Division with four points from two games played. The Reign is coming off a scoreless draw against Angel City FC in the Challenge Cup but is coming off a massive 4-1 win against Angel City in regular season play. Superstar Megan Rapinoe had a massive game against Angel City, as she provided three assists in the match, improving to four assists on the season.
Rapinoe featured on the bench in the Reign’s last Challenge Cup match, as she is very unlikely to get the start at Snapdragon Stadium on Wednesday night. USWNT star Rose Lavelle is still struggling with an injury and will not be available for this match, as the Reign is likely to feature players like Tziarra King and Jordyn Huitema in attack.
Both King and Huitema were starters against San Diego when both teams faced off earlier in the season, but both were sidelined in the Reign’s last match. The Seattle-based team defeated the wave 1-0 in their first matchup of the season, and this is also set to be a very hard-fought match at Snapdragon Stadium.
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.