The San Diego Wave are set to compete in their first playoff match since 2023. On Sunday, they will face the Portland Thorns at Providence Park. This matchup is significant, as both teams previously met twice in the regular season, resulting in 1-1 draws.
Playoff Anticipation: Alex Morgan’s Unique Perspective
Among the fans attending the game is Alex Morgan, a former Wave star and now a minority investor in the team. Morgan has expressed a different set of nerves as a spectator compared to her time as a player. She stated that the tension builds in the latter stages of the game, particularly between the 70th and 80th minutes.
Reflecting on her past playoff experiences, Morgan remembers the Wave’s previous playoff game against the Seattle Reign, where they suffered a defeat. “In the playoffs, anything can happen,” Morgan remarked, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the NWSL playoffs.
Life Beyond the Field
Besides her involvement with the Wave, Morgan is engaged in various business ventures, including her media company, Togethxr, and an investment firm, Trybe Ventures. Recently, she joined the NWSL’s advisory board to stay connected with soccer developments.
Balancing her professional life and motherhood, Morgan enjoys attending games with her daughter, Charlie, who has taken an interest in becoming a goalkeeper. Moreover, six-time NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler has added his name to the list of notable investors in the Wave.
San Diego’s Season Journey
The Wave’s season has been a rollercoaster ride. Initially, they achieved a strong record of 7 wins, 3 losses, and 3 draws, which positioned them for the playoffs. However, after the midseason break, their performance dipped to 1 win, 5 losses, and 4 draws.
- Final Standings: No. 3 seed
- Initial Record: 7-3-3
- Midseason Record: 1-5-4
In the final stretch of the regular season, the Wave regained their momentum by outscoring their opponents 10-5. A standout player during this period has been Brazilian winger Dudinha, who scored four goals in the last three matches.
Coaching and Team Development
First-year coach Jonas Eidevall has played a crucial role in revitalizing the team’s strategy. He has successfully integrated young players alongside seasoned veterans. “It was an uphill journey for him,” Morgan noted, acknowledging the challenges of the past season.
As the Wave prepare for the playoffs, Morgan expresses her excitement. “I’m really looking forward to enjoying the playoffs and seeing the Wave make a big run,” she said.
Match Details
Here are the details for the upcoming playoff match:
| Matchup | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. 6 San Diego Wave vs. No. 3 Portland Thorns | Sunday | 12:00 PM | Providence Park, Portland, Ore. |
As the excitement builds, all eyes will be on the Wave as they aim for their first title in franchise history.
