San Diego Wave FC

The team is San Diego's first women's professional soccer team since 2003, when the Women's United Soccer Association folded and forced the San Diego Spirit to disband.{{cite news |last1=Zeigler |first1=Mark |title=Women's pro soccer coming to San Diego in 2022 |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/soccer/story/2021-06-08/soccer-nwsl-womens-pro-soccer-expansion-team-san-diego-jill-ellis-ron-burkle-torero-stadium-wusa-spirit |access-date=8 June 2021 |work=The San Diego Union-Tribune |date=8 June 2021 |archive-date=June 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608160041/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/soccer/story/2021-06-08/soccer-nwsl-womens-pro-soccer-expansion-team-san-diego-jill-ellis-ron-burkle-torero-stadium-wusa-spirit |url-status=live }}

In January 2021, Lisa Baird, the commissioner of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), announced that an expansion team in Sacramento, led by Ron Burkle and in conjunction with Sacramento Republic FC's expansion bid into Major League Soccer, would join the NWSL in 2022.{{cite news |last1=Kassouf |first1=Jeff |title=San Diego confirmed as 2022 NWSL expansion market; Ellis to serve as team president |url=https://equalizersoccer.com/2021/06/08/san-diego-confirmed-2022-nwsl-expansion-market-not-sacramento-ron-burkle-owner-jill-ellis-president/ |access-date=8 June 2021 |publisher=The Equalizer |date=8 June 2021 |archive-date=November 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105035737/https://equalizersoccer.com/2021/06/08/san-diego-confirmed-2022-nwsl-expansion-market-not-sacramento-ron-burkle-owner-jill-ellis-president/ |url-status=live }} However, Burkle never confirmed the news publicly before exiting the Sacramento Republic's ownership group. Instead, on June 8, 2021, the NWSL announced San Diego as the location for an expansion team owned by Burkle to begin play in 2022.{{cite news |title=San Diego To Be Home to NWSL Expansion Team, Led by Jill Ellis as President |url=https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/san-diego-to-be-home-to-nwsl-expansion-team-led-by-jill-ellis-as-president |access-date=8 June 2021 |publisher=NWSL |date=8 June 2021 |archive-date=November 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105052753/https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/san-diego-to-be-home-to-nwsl-expansion-team-led-by-jill-ellis-as-president |url-status=live }} On November 9, it was announced the team would be called Wave Fútbol Club.{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37622346/san-diego-nwsl-expansion-side-called-wave-futbol-club |title=San Diego NWSL new side to be called Wave FC |date=November 9, 2021 |access-date=September 4, 2023 |archive-date=September 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904090213/https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37622346/san-diego-nwsl-expansion-side-called-wave-futbol-club |url-status=live }}

San Diego Wave FC officially began play on March 19, 2022, in the NWSL Challenge Cup against fellow expansion team Angel City FC on the road, where they drew 1-1. They were eliminated from the Challenge Cup after finishing third in their group. The team began their inaugural season on May 1 and opened with three straight wins, sitting on the top of the table for over half the season before finally falling to the KC Current 2–1. Although briefly gaining the top spot twice late in the season, the Wave finished 3rd and qualified for the quarter-finals of the playoffs. After defeating the Chicago Red Stars 2–1,{{Cite web |last=Salazar |first=Emmanuel |date=2022-10-17 |title=Chicago Red Stars Postseason Run Ends With 2-1 Loss to San Diego |url=https://chicagoredstars.com/matchday/chicago-red-stars-postseason-run-ends-with-2-1-loss-to-san-diego/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=Chicago Red Stars |language=en-US}} the team traveled to Providence Park to play against the Portland Thorns in the semi-finals, losing 2-1 following a Crystal Dunn goal in the final minutes of the game.{{Cite web |last=Svilar |first=Sam |date=2022-10-23 |title=NWSL Semifinal Match Recap & Highlights: Portland Thorns 2 — 1 San Diego Wave |url=https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2022/10/23/23419550/nwsl-semifinal-match-recap-highlights-portland-thorns-2-1-san-diego-wave |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=Stumptown Footy |language=en}} Wave members were heavily represented in the end-of-season awards, with Alex Morgan winning the Golden Boot, Kailen Sheridan winning Goalkeeper of the Year, Casey Stoney named as Coach of the Year, Naomi Girma being crowned as both the Defender of the Year and Rookie of the Year.{{Cite web |date=2022-10-29 |title=NWSL awards 2022: Portland Thorns star Sophia Smith wins MVP; Naomi Girma wins top rookie and defender |url=https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/nwsl-awards-2022-portland-thorns-star-sophia-smith-wins-mvp-naomi-girma-wins-top-rookie-and-defender/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}

In the 2023 season, the Wave continued their winning ways, slightly improving upon their record in 2022 and securing the NWSL Shield with two games to spare after beating the Portland Thorns on September 30 and guaranteeing a bye for the playoffs. The Wave faced OL Reign in the semi-finals, losing 1–0 after Veronica Latsko scored in the 47th minute, marking the second year in a row the Wave were eliminated in the semis. Defender Naomi Girma was named U.S. Soccer's Female Player of the Year, recognizing her excellence for the Wave and for the U.S. women's national team.{{Cite web |date=2024-01-11 |title=Girma 1st defender to win U.S. female POTY |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/39287411/usa-female-player-year-girma-1st-defender-win-award |access-date=2024-01-13 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}

The Wave kicked off 2024 by winning the Challenge Cup 1–0 over 2023 champion NJ/NY Gotham FC with an 88th minute goal from Alex Morgan.{{Cite web |last=NWSL |date=2024-03-08 |title=2024 NWSL Season Opens With UKG NWSL Challenge Cup, Featuring Clash of Champions, Start of Prime Video Coverage {{!}} National Women's Soccer League Official Site |url=https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/2024-nwsl-season-opens-with-ukg-nwsl-challenge-cup |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=NWSL |language=en}} However, during the season, the Wave failed to replicate their successes from prior years. The team finished 10th in the regular season standings and did not qualify for the playoffs for the first time in club history. The Wave also competed in the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup and the CONCACAF W Champions Cup, but they failed to make it out of the group stage in both competitions.{{Cite web |last=Emerick |first=Tyler |date=2024-10-17 |title=San Diego Wave FC Falls to Club América Femenil 1-0 in Concacaf W Champions Cup at Snapdragon Stadium |url=https://sandiegowavefc.com/san-diego-wave-fc-falls-to-club-america-femenil-1-0-in-concacaf-w-champions-cup-at-snapdragon-stadium/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=San Diego Wave Fútbol Club |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Emerick |first=Tyler |date=2024-08-02 |title=San Diego Wave FC Fall to Angel City FC in Penalty Shootout in NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup |url=https://sandiegowavefc.com/san-diego-wave-fc-fall-to-angel-city-fc-in-penalty-shootout-in-nwsl-x-liga-mx-femenil-summer-cup/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=San Diego Wave Fútbol Club |language=en-US}} Amid a 7-game winless streak, the club fired head coach Casey Stoney, who had been part of the Wave since 2022.{{Cite web |date=2024-06-24 |title=Wave fire Stoney amid 7-game winless streak |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/40422871/san-diego-wave-fire-casey-stoney |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} Stoney was replaced by interim coach Paul Buckle, who led the team through the summer of 2024.{{Cite web |last=Union-Tribune |first=Tom Krasovic {{!}} The San Diego |date=2024-06-27 |title=Wave will try to rev up scoring, climb standings in first match since coach Casey Stoney’s firing |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2024/06/27/wave-will-try-to-rev-up-scoring-without-stoney/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=San Diego Union-Tribune |language=en-US}} After Buckle's departure, Landon Donovan managed the team to the end of the season.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-16 |title=Landon Donovan named SD Wave interim coach |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/40882780/san-diego-wave-landon-donovan-interim-coach-nwsl |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}

2024 also featured notable off-the-field events in the Wave's history. On March 14, owner Ron Burkle announced the sale of San Diego Wave FC to Lauren Leichtman and Arthur Levine, managers of the Levine Leichtman Capital Partners investment firm, for $113 million and a total (and, at the time, league record) team valuation of $120 million. The new owners immediately paid $35 million for 35% of the team, and paid $78 million for the remaining 65% of the team at the end of the 2024 NWSL season.{{Cite news |last1=Linehan |first1=Meg |last2=Staff |first2=The Athletic |title=San Diego Wave sold at $120M valuation, an NWSL record |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5343025/2024/03/14/san-diego-wave-sale-nwsl/ |access-date=2024-05-19 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} This represents a large increase in team value from the $2 million Burkle paid just two years previously as an NWSL expansion fee.{{Cite web |date=2024-03-15 |title=Source: Wave being sold for NWSL record figure |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/39734205/san-diego-wave-sold-nwsl-record-figure |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} The Wave also hired Camille Ashton as sporting manager and general manager to replace Molly Downtain, who left in the offseason.{{Cite web |date=2024-06-12 |title=San Diego Wave FC name former Kansas City boss Camille Ashton as sporting director, GM |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2024/06/12/san-diego-wave-fc-name-former-kansas-city-boss-camille-ashton-as-sporting-director-gm/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=San Diego Union-Tribune |language=en-US}} Finally, the club hired former USWNT player Shannon MacMillan as Chief Impact Officer on July 1, 2024.{{Cite web |last=Emerick |first=Tyler |date=2024-07-01 |title=San Diego Wave FC Announces Shannon Mac Millan as Chief Impact Officer |url=https://sandiegowavefc.com/san-diego-wave-fc-announces-shannon-mac-millan-as-chief-impact-officer/ |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=San Diego Wave Fútbol Club |language=en-US}}

In July, several former Wave employees spoke out on social media, alleging that the club and president Jill Ellis created an unhealthy and abusive work environment. The Wave denied all allegations and threatened legal action against those who spoke out.{{Cite web |last=McDonald |first=Carrie |title=San Diego Wave threatens legal action against former employee, denies allegations of abuse |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/nwsl/2024/07/03/san-diego-wave-legal-action/74296818007/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |last=Yang |first=Steph |title=San Diego Wave denounces former employee’s allegations of poor work environment under Jill Ellis |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5615225/2024/07/03/san-diego-wave-jill-ellis-allegations/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} In mid-October, five former employees filed a lawsuit against the Wave and the NWSL, alleging discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful termination, and retaliation.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-09 |title=Five ex-employees sue San Diego Wave, NWSL |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/41704060/san-diego-wave-nwsl-sued-former-employees |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2024-10-10 |title=6 former employees sue the San Diego Wave and the National Women's Soccer League |url=https://thecoastnews.com/sixth-plaintiff-joins-lawsuit-against-wave-fc-nwsl/ |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=AP News |language=en}}

Leading up to the 2025 season, the Wave announced that interim coach Landon Donovan would not be returning to his position.{{Cite web |last=Emerick |first=Tyler |date=2024-11-18 |title=San Diego Wave FC Provide Update on Vacant Head Coach Position |url=https://sandiegowavefc.com/san-diego-wave-fc-provide-update-on-vacant-head-coach-position/ |access-date=2025-01-08 |website=San Diego Wave Fútbol Club |language=en-US}} On January 7, 2025, Swedish manager Jonas Eidevall was announced to be filling the role, becoming the Wave's second-ever full-time head coach in club history.{{Cite web |last=Grueskin |first=Birgen |date=2025-01-07 |title=San Diego Wave FC Names Jonas Eidevall Head Coach |url=https://sandiegowavefc.com/names-jonas-eidevall-head-coach/ |access-date=2025-01-08 |website=San Diego Wave Fútbol Club |language=en-US}}

File:San Diego Wave FC 2021 wordmark blue.svg

On December 15, 2021, the team revealed its crest for its upcoming 2022 season in a press release, stating "the crest, encased in a shield, is a symbol of strength, for the city and team, to proudly stand behind. A powerful wave, cresting in the rich blues of the Pacific Ocean, sits front and center as the iconic mark of the Wave. And under the proud banner of the city’s name, are the vivid colors of the horizon, celebrating the beauty, fun, and vibrant culture of the city and its people".{{Cite press release|url=https://sandiegowavefc.com/san-diego-wave-fc-unveils-official-team-crest-and-colors/|title=San Diego Wave FC Unveils Official Team Crest and Colors|date=December 15, 2021|website=www.sandiegowavefc.com|access-date=April 4, 2022|archive-date=November 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129103410/https://sandiegowavefc.com/san-diego-wave-fc-unveils-official-team-crest-and-colors/|url-status=live}}

The club began play at Torero Stadium on the campus of the University of San Diego for its inaugural season. It moved to Snapdragon Stadium, located in the Mission Valley campus expansion of San Diego State University (SDSU), for its last two home games of the 2022 season.{{Cite web|title=NWSL expansion team San Diego Wave FC unveil official crest|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nwsl/news/nwsl-expansion-team-san-diego-wave-fc-unveil-official-crest/|access-date=2021-12-15|website=CBS Sports|date=December 15, 2021 |language=en|archive-date=March 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220311131455/https://www.cbssports.com/nwsl/news/nwsl-expansion-team-san-diego-wave-fc-unveil-official-crest/|url-status=live}} The Wave's opener at the new stadium against regional rival and fellow 2022 NWSL entry Angel City FC on September 17 drew a sellout crowd of 32,000, setting a new NWSL single-game attendance record.{{cite web |url=https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/san-diego-wave-fc-vs-angel-city-fc-2022-09-17/latest |title=Match Recap: San Diego tops Angel City in front of capacity crowd for first win at Snapdragon Stadium |publisher=National Women's Soccer League |date=September 18, 2022 |access-date=September 18, 2022 |archive-date=May 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230518183529/https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/san-diego-wave-fc-vs-angel-city-fc-2022-09-17/latest |url-status=live }} On On March 23, 2024 the Wave set the current record for NWSL season home opener attendance with 32,066 fans attending their 2-1 loss to the Kansas City Current.{{Cite web |last=Emerick |first=Tyler |date=2024-03-24 |title=San Diego Wave FC Fall to Kansas City Current 2-1 at Snapdragon Stadium |url=https://sandiegowavefc.com/san-diego-wave-fc-fall-to-kansas-city-current-2-1-at-snapdragon-stadium/ |access-date=2024-03-28 |website=San Diego Wave Fútbol Club |language=en-US}}

As of April 2, 2025.{{cite web |url=https://sandiegowavefc.com/roster/ |title=Roster |publisher=San Diego Wave FC}}{{cite web |url=https://sandiegowavefc.com/san-diego-wave-fc-announces-2025-active-roster-ahead-of-season-opener/ |title=San Diego Wave FC Announces 2025 Active Roster Ahead of Season Opener |publisher=San Diego Wave FC |date=March 12, 2025 |accessdate=March 13, 2025}}

{{Fs player2 sort|no=|nat=COL|pos=DF|first=Sintia|last=Cabezas|other=loaned to Lexington SC|}}

|}

For details of former players, see :Category:San Diego Wave FC players and List of San Diego Wave FC players.

{{updated|March 17, 2025.{{cite web |title=SPORTING Staff |url=https://sandiegowavefc.com/performance-health-staff/ |website=San Diego Wave Fútbol Club |access-date=March 17, 2025}}{{cite web |last=O'Keefe |first=Megan |title=San Diego Wave FC Announces Coaching Staff Additions |url=https://sandiegowavefc.com/san-diego-wave-fc-announces-coaching-staff-additions/ |website=San Diego Wave Fútbol Club |access-date=March 17, 2025 |date=January 31, 2025}}}}

{{Main|List of San Diego Wave FC records and statistics}}

{{updated|December 8, 2024}}

{{updated|January 7, 2025}}

Only competitive matches are counted. Includes NWSL regular season, playoffs, and Challenge Cup matches.

{{Further|List of San Diego Wave FC players}}

{{Updated|February 10, 2025|.{{cite web |url=https://fbref.com/en/squads/bf961da0/history/San-Diego-Wave-Stats-and-History |title=San Diego Wave FC Stats and History |access-date=November 9, 2024 |work=FBref}}}} Current players in bold. Statistics are updated once a year after the conclusion of the NWSL season.

• NWSL Shield
• Winners (1): 2023
• NWSL Challenge Cup
• Winners (1): 2024

• Alex Morgan: 2022

• Naomi Girma: 2022, 2023

• Kailen Sheridan: 2022

• Naomi Girma: 2022

• Casey Stoney: 2022

• Jaedyn Shaw: 2023
• Naomi Girma: 2022, 2023
• Alex Morgan: 2022
• Kailen Sheridan: 2022

• Naomi Girma: 2024
• Alex Morgan: 2023
• Kailen Sheridan: 2023

{{reflist}}

• {{official website|https://sandiegowavefc.com/}}

{{San Diego Wave FC}}

{{National Women's Soccer League}}

{{San Diego Sports}}

{{California sports}}

{{USSoccer}}

Category:2021 establishments in California

Category:Association football clubs established in 2021

Category:National Women's Soccer League teams

Category:Women's soccer clubs in the United States

Category:Women's sports in California

Category:San Diego Wave FC