San Diego Wave FC returns to the road Friday for a rematch with the Orlando Pride at Inter.co Stadium. The Wave enters the matchup in second place in the NWSL with 48 points and a 15W-8L-3D record, while Orlando sits at No. 11 with 33 points and a 10-13-3 record.
Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. PT.
The two teams last met in late May, when Orlando earned a 1-0 victory in San Diego. Despite the loss, the Wave controlled 58% of possession and recorded 17 shots compared to Orlando’s 14. San Diego will look to create another high-volume attacking performance while finding a way to turn those chances into goals this time around.
Orlando has the advantage in the all-time series, with six wins compared to San Diego’s one, while the teams have drawn twice. The match gives the Wave another opportunity to improve on that record.
San Diego enters Friday with a five-game record of W-L-W-W-W and has continued to stay near the top of the standings. San Diego also remains first in the NWSL in shots on target with 159 this season, highlighting the team’s ability to consistently create opportunities in the final third.
Melanie Barcenas. Credit: Miguel Mejia/Miguel Mejia Photography
Orlando enters the match with a five-game record of L-W-D-L-W. The Pride will look to build on their recent win while continuing to climb the standings.
One of Orlando’s biggest threats will be forward Barbra Banda, who leads the Pride with 16 goals this season. The veteran Marta also remains an important part of Orlando’s attack, giving San Diego another experienced player to account for defensively.
San Diego will need to limit Orlando’s attacking threats while continuing to create chances of its own. Trinity Byars leads the Wave with 10 goals this season, while Melanie Barcenas has six.
The matchup also comes ahead of an important international window for two Wave players. Byars and defender Kennedy Wesley were both selected to the 26-player U.S. Women’s National Team training camp roster for two matches against Spain in mid-October. The call-ups give both players an opportunity to represent the national team after strong performances with San Diego.
The Wave will look to carry its recent form into Orlando and earn points on the road as it continues its push near the top of the NWSL standings.
Match at a Glance
Who: San Diego Wave FC vs. Orlando Pride
When: Friday, Oct. 2 at 5 p.m. PT
Where: Inter.co Stadium
Watch: Prime Video
