Angel City and San Diego Wave drew 1-1 Saturday night as both teams made their debut in the NWSL Challenge Cup. The star power was on display for both sides with massive names like Christen Press, Alex Morgan, Abby Dahlkemper and Sofia Jakobsson all featuring at Titan Stadium on the campus of Cal State Fullerton.
Press played a brilliant 90 minutes for her hometown team consistently terrorizing the San Diego Wave defense. There were multiple times the USWNT star would take on defenders, almost always beat them, and create an opportunity for Angel City. In her first game for an NWSL team since 2019 she didn’t disappoint.
Press nearly scored a rocket of a goal in the seventh minute but a remarkable save from Kailen Sheridan saw the shot ricochet off the crossbar.
@Kailen_Sheridan stopping (literally) the @ChristenPress opener pic.twitter.com/WCbJx4d47z
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 20, 2022
The first 20 minutes were open and a joy to watch. Four minutes after Press’ shot San Diego had a great chance to score but Katie Johnson’s bicycle kick was cleared off the line.
Truely, #CueTheChaos pic.twitter.com/BvI5t4ryXQ
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 20, 2022
Morgan started the night on the bench and was introduced to the game in the second half. It would be an uphill battle for her team as Angel City took the lead four minutes into the second half courtesy of a perfectly placed Savannah McCaskill header.
History maker: @smccaskill_7
The first goal in @weareangelcity history ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/1szWJuuHBs— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 20, 2022
A tight second half that featured multiple sizzling Press runs looked like it was going to finish with Angel City taking a narrow victory. Jakobsson’s introduction to the game in the 74th minute brought an extra spark that San Diego needed.
A consistent rise in pressure on Angel City’s goal resulting in the equalizing goal from a corner kick with Kaleigh Riehl getting the final touch on the ball.
Riehl Good Timing ⏰@sandiegowavefc have their first goal in club history pic.twitter.com/bNnl7pYdrF
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 20, 2022
Neither side could find a winner as the first ever meeting between the California clubs ended in a draw.
The 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup format consists of 12 teams divvied up into three groups of four teams based on geographical location. Angel City and San Diego Wave are in Group B with OL Reign and the Portland Thorns. Those two teams also drew 1-1 so the group is anyone’s for the taking.
Each winner of the three groups will advance to a semifinal and be joined by the best runner-up of the three groups.
