San Diego Wave FC kicked off its NWSL regular-season campaign with a thrilling 1-0 win over the Houston Dash.
The clubs played in front of 7,722 fans at PNC Stadium on Sunday, the fourth-largest crowd in Dash history.
Despite the home advantage, Houston failed to break through, with Wave keeper Kailen Sheridan notching two saves for the clean sheet.
On the other side of the ball, San Diego finally snapped the scoreless deadlock in the 86th minute, with Jodie Taylor one-timing a shot off a Katie Johnson header for the game’s lone goal.
Jodie Taylor puts it away late in the game for the Wave's first regular season goal! 💫💫@SanDiegoWaveFC | #WaveFC pic.twitter.com/WNCus6z1BX
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 2, 2022
Six San Diego players earned their NWSL regular-season debuts in the 1-0 win, with Naomi Girma, Kelsey Turnbow, Belle Briede, Mia Gyau, Marleen Schimmer and Amirah Ali all playing in their first regular-season contest.
The Wave will next host Gotham FC in San Diego on Saturday at 10 p.m. ET.
Jodie Taylor is on her way to San Diego. The English forward was part of a trade on Wednesday that saw the Orlando Pride send Taylor to San Diego Wave FC.
In return, the Pride will receive San Diego’s 2023 NWSL Draft natural second round pick, natural third round pick, or allocation money, depending on conditions.
Our team continues to grow, and the wave strengthens! Join us in welcoming international striker Jodie Taylor to the team.
— San Diego Wave FC (@SanDiegoNWSL) December 1, 2021
Welcome to #WaveFC, Jodie Taylor! pic.twitter.com/4uPn4tMTY1
The 35-year-old signed with the Pride midway through the 2021 season after her rights were acquired by the club from North Carolina in February. Through 13 appearances, she scored three goals and added two assists.
“Jodie brings an invaluable combination of experience and leadership to a new team which will be looking for leaders in the locker room,” said Wave FC president Jill Ellis in a team statement. “From my past with the USA, I am well aware of Jodie’s goal-scoring talent, cultivated from playing at the highest levels of women’s soccer. I am glad we’ll have her on board to help steer our ship through our maiden voyage in the NWSL.”
In San Diego, she’ll be rejoining former England teammate Casey Stoney, who was tabbed as the Wave’s first head coach.
“I am delighted to be joining San Diego Wave FC. This is an exciting move and opportunity for my future both on and off the pitch,” said Taylor. “It is extremely motivating to be joining a new franchise in an incredible city, spearheaded by such amazing women, and I look forward to being a part of building a club from the beginning.”