Savannah McCaskill, Kaleigh Riehl score in Angel City-San Diego debut tie

NWSL expansion clubs Angel City FC and San Diego Wave FC made their debuts in the Challenge Cup on Saturday, playing to a 1-1 draw at Titan Stadium.

Angel City came out firing at home, as Christen Press tested San Diego goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan early.

After Angel City’s near-miss, San Diego began to play their way into the game, creating solid chances in the opening 45 minutes.

After the half, Angel City broke the 0-0 deadlock, with Savannah McCaskill scoring the Los Angeles club’s first-ever goal. McCaskill found an opening in San Diego’s defense with a run into the box and headed in Ali Riley’s lofted cross for the 1-0 lead.

San Diego finally found the back of the net in the 81st minute when Kaleigh Riehl, who subbed in for Abby Dahlkemper at the half, tapped in a Wave corner kick for the club’s inaugural goal.

Each club returns to action on Saturday, with Angel City hosting OL Reign and San Diego playing the Portland Thorns at home.