A look at what’s ahead for San Diego in the 2023 campaign
The 2023 season is rapidly approaching with the NWSL kicking off this Saturday, March 25! The 11th year of league action will feature 12 teams with the 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup featuring mid-season.
In a team-by-team preview, we’ll break down each squad’s big moves, massive matches, and more of what to know as we get ready for the regular season opener.
San Diego Wave FC
2022 Season: 3rd | 10-6-6 – 36 points
Big Additions:
- Danielle Colaprico – Signed via free agency, former Chicago Red Stars midfielder
- Rachel Hill – Signed via free agency, former Chicago Red Stars forward
- Megan Dougherty Howard – Signed via free agency, former Orlando Pride midfielder
Key Games:
- March 25: Chicago Red Stars (H) – Regular Season Opener
- April 19: Portland Thorns FC – Challenge Cup Opener
- April 23: Angel City FC (A) – First of at least four meetings against SoCal rivals
What to Expect:
A sum of more than 23,500 (and then some) fans are normal at Snapdragon Arena for San Diego’s season opener against the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday night, and there will be a lot to watch the Wave for this end of the week as well as the entire season as they hope to dazzle in their second year of activity.
Along with draftee Lauren Brzykcy, goalkeepers Kailen Sheridan and Carly Telford are back, as is an impressive defensive line led by Naomi Girma, Kaleigh Riehl, Christen Westphal, and others. Abby Dahlkemper, a defender who had surgery in October to treat a back injury that ended her season, is still listed as SEI. Colaprico and Howard, who left Chicago and Orlando for free, will strengthen a talented midfield group that already includes Taylor Kornieck, Kelsey Turnbow, and others. Second-round selection Sierra Enge and fourth-round selection Giovanna DeMarco, two of the club’s other draftees, will both add quality and depth to the midfield core.
Along with newcomer Rachel Hill, the club’s forward line is also loaded with talent, with six returning stars completing the attack. Amirah Ali and Sofia Jakobsson are back, similar to the gifted Amirah Ali and Jaedyn Shaw, who is only 18 years of age. Alex Morgan, a forward who scored an insane 15 goals in 17 games last season to win the league’s Golden Boot, will be closely watched throughout the year.
The recent signing of San Diego native Melanie Barcenas surpasses Washington Spirit’s Chloe Ricketts, who was signed earlier in March at 15 years and 283 days, to become the youngest professional in the NWSL.
San Diego will undoubtedly set a high bar for itself this season in order to compete for the NWSL Championship and finish even higher.
