San Diego Wave defeated Bay FC 2-1 at Snapdragon Stadium in a game literally determined in the last play. Something that seemed heading into another tie turned into exciting victory, secured by Trinity Armstrong, a 17-year-old defender who logged her first pro goal with an header in stoppage time.
It was a finish that held symbolic weight. Wave extended its three-game winning streak, reached 13 points, and showed a team with depth of offense, one which could deposit the ball in the net without relying on a single player. Eleven players have found the back of the net this season, a level no other NWSL team has reached.
Dominant start
The match started with power. In just five minutes, María Sánchez hit a clinical corner onto Kennedy Wesley's head, who drove it into the net. A first-half looking goal, well struck, and from the beginning it was clear what San Diego had come to do: attack, set the pace and play in opposite half. But Bay FC were quick to respond. In the 18th minute, Racheal Kundananji ran down the left, made a low cross, and found Karlie Lema outside the box.
The forward finished, created space, and finished low into the bottom right corner with no chance for keeper Kailen Sheridan. It was the second goal of the season for Lema and the first assist for Kundananji, her second direct goal involvement in two games.
Wave responded immediately. Perle Morroni hit the post with a strong shot at 20 minutes after a loose ball on the box edge. Six minutes later, the home team could go ahead once more after a penalty was awarded inside the area. Sánchez stepped up, but Jordan Silkowitz made the save. It was her first NWSL penalty save, and she becomes the dozen goalkeepers in league history to save their first penalty against them. That was a big moment. A score there would have totally changed the character of the game.
The first half was fast-paced, with seeming opportunities for both teams. In the 30th minute, Bay FC threatened again with a ball crossed by Alyssa Malonson, but Lema couldn't clean up. The game continued lively to halftime, with Wave having a slight attacking ascendancy, with more time in the final third, though the other team's defense held up.
Wave saved by the future
The second half was tamer. San Diego had possession at 60% throughout the entire match but was unable to turn this domination into tangible scoring chances. Only two shots on target were available for the second half, well-handled by Bay FC's back. The visiting side also seemed content to be held by the draw since Wave's invasion was stemmed by it and counter-attack attempts were attempted through Kundananji and Lema. In the meantime, Wave was trying to make space through switches and combinations on the other side, but was not creative in front of goal.
88th minute, another scare. Delphine Cascarino hit the right post and nearly had the winner. San Diego was saved by the woodwork for the second time. The people were getting used to the draw. But this team never gave up. In the 95th minute, already stoppage time, the match's final ball came after a corner kick by Kenza Dali. Trinity Armstrong, in the box, headed it higher than anybody and in to seal the win. A goal that felt like a debut, was loaded with a game-winner, and felt like the future.