The National Women’s Soccer League re-started this weekend after their extended summer break, and the San Diego Wave picked up right where they left off — with a win.
The Wave (9-4-1) sat atop the league standings after a 2-0 victory over defending champions Gotham FC on Saturday. Even after the Portland Thorns (8-3-3) secured a 4-0 victory over Racing Louisville (2-9-1) on Sunday, San Diego remained at the top spot.
The Wave are also undefeated in five of their last six matches, stretching back to a 2-1 victory over Angel City on May 9.
Barcenas’ banger
Melanie Barcenas scored the opening goal against Gotham in the 45th minute. Her shot from some 30 yards out kissed the post and went in for her third goal of the season.
But it was her goal celebration that was truly special. She stopped and took a sip of imaginary tea, pinkie up, as an ode to Alex Morgan, one of the Wave’s investors, who was in the crowd.
Morgan’s tea-sipping celly during the U.S. match against England at the 2019 World Cup is the stuff of legends, of course, and it was a sweet way for Barcenas to honor her role model.
“I knew I wanted to do that celly at home, so obviously Alex can be here to see it, and I wanted to do it in front of her, obviously,” Barcenas said postgame. “I think it’d have been way more special here in front of our home fans, where she is an investor in our club. So, yes, I’ve been waiting for this moment, and I can’t think what better way than a left-footed goal, you know? She’s scored lots of left-footed goals, amazing goals. So, I’m really happy to have gotten to do that and help the team.”
Morgan and Barcenas struck the pose for the cameras after the game, too.
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Morgan superfan
Barcenas grew up in San Diego idolizing Morgan and signed with the Wave when she was just 15 years old in 2023. At the time, she was the youngest signing in the league, and the first signed by San Diego under the NWSL’s under-18 entry rules.
Barcenas played for the San Diego Surf youth club and was also called up by the U.S. national under-17 team for a pair of exhibition matches against England in February.
Saturday’s goal was her third this season. Still just 18, Barcenas is settling into her role, coach Jonas Eidevall said.
“Mel is growing into both to the team and to the league in a very, very quick rate right now. I think she’s getting that breakthrough, that we all have seen and hoped that it would come for her,” Eidevall said. “She’s obviously a phenomenal talent, she’s always been very, very technical, but she’s now getting better at her decision making. She’s getting better on both sides of the ball, both the attacking and defending contributions.”
Dudinha out, Macario in?
Barcenas’ growth this season is helpful for the Wave, who lost Brazilian Dudinha to a season-ending ACL injury during a friendly against the USWNT on June 9. She had five goals and four assists for the Wave this season before she was hurt.
Meanwhile, Cat Macario’s status is still something of a mystery. She was acquired by the Wave from Chelsea just before the break, but has a heel injury with no timeline for her return. She was at Saturday’s match.
Links!
My colleagues at the IX covered the Challenge Cup and the Columbus NWSL audition.
NWSL players reflect on playing in Columbus.
ESPN reports that Emma Sears has requested a trade from Louisville.
Sam Kerr looks forward to a new phase in her career.
Rodman celebrates the return of the NWSL with a brace.
The Equalizer looks at Utah’s success.
The Olympics channel is recapping all the player moves.
Fun story on Foudy’s from The Athletic.
SI considers 10 possible NWSL MVP candidates.
The Maddy Cusack story is so sad. The Guardian’s Tom Garry has been covering it.
Soccer: Annie Peterson, @AnnieMPeterson, AP Women’s Soccer
Tennis: Joey Dillon, @JoeyDillon, Freelance Tennis Writer
Basketball: Howard Megdal, @HowardMegdal, The IX Sports
Softball: Maren Angus-Coombs, @Maren-Angus, The IX Sports
Golf: Marin Dremock, @MDremock, The IX Sports
Hockey: @TheIceGarden, The Ice Garden
Gymnastics: Jessica Taylor Price, @jesstaylorprice, Freelance Writer
