From the Pitch to the Court: Wave FC’s Next Test, San Diegans at the US Open (Updated with Schedule)

San Diegans into US Open with Unlucky Draws

🎾 Pareja vs No. 9 Rybakina | Mon, Aug 25 | Court 17 | Second match on Court 17. First match begins 11 a.m. Eastern | ESPN+ (possibly on ESPN)

🎾 Ahn vs No. 19 Mertens | Mon, Aug 25 | Court 5 | Second match on Court 5. First match begins 11 a.m. Eastern | ESPN+ (possibly on ESPN)

First the good news: San Diegans and teenagers Alyssa Ahn and Julieta Pareja each earned a spot in the main draw of the U.S. Open Grand Slam Tennis Championship. Woot!

The bad news? Ahn has to play No. 19 Elise Mertens and Pareja is pitted against No. 9 Elena Rybakina in the first round.

Here’s the scoop. The top 32 seeded singles players are placed into the draw so they avoid facing each other until at least the third round. The remaining 96 players are then randomly slotted into one of the 64 first-round matches. Because Ahn and Pareja are not seeded, they could have been matched against the top seed, a qualifier, or any player in between. Unfortunately, they each were matched with seeded players.

Read more here.

You know what that means, don’t you? The San Diegans will need our powerful San Diego vibes. Let them hear you cheering from wherever you’re watching! The first round will be played this Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Check the schedule often for updates. Watch on ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN+.

By playing in the main draw, each are guaranteed at least $110,000 in prize money.

🎾 Pareja vs No. 9 Rybakina | Mon, Aug 25 | Court 17 | Second match on Court 17. First match begins 11 a.m. Eastern | ESPN+ (possibly on ESPN)

🎾 Ahn vs No. 19 Mertens | Mon, Aug 25 | Court 5 | Second match on Court 5. First match begins 11 a.m. Eastern | ESPN+ (possibly on ESPN)

Watch Kenza Dali score versus Bay FC. Video Credit: Wave FC

⚽ Wave Returns to the Snap on August 24

The No. 2 Wave return home to Snapdragon to play No. 7 Racing Louisville. Added Bonus: It’s Rollup Blanket Giveaway night for the first fans to arrive. Want even more? It’s also Pride Night. Get a Shirt+Ticket Package.

Sun Aug 24 | 5 p.m. PT | vs. Racing Louisville | Snapdragon Stadium | Tickets

Airing locally on KUSI. Also on Paramount+ and NWSL+

In their April matchup, the Wave (8-5-3) dominated Racing Lousville (6-4-6) 4-1. Melanie Barcenas and Kenza Dali each scored one while Delphine Cascarino earned a brace and an assist.

Racing Louisville will be looking to right the ship and stay in playoff contention after a loss and two draws in August. The Wave will hope to carry momentum forward from their 2-1 victory over Bay FC on August 16.

Be sure to get out to cheer on the offensive powerhouse that leads the league in assists, passes attempted and completed, pass accuracy, and shots on target!