San Diego Wave FC claimed derby bragging rights on Saturday night, earning a 2-1 National Women’s Soccer League victory over Angel City FC at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.
After a scoreless first half, the fixture burst into life immediately after the interval. San Diego found the breakthrough in the 49th minute when Dudinha finished to put the visitors in front and silence the home crowd.
Angel City responded well and were back on level terms just five minutes later. Emily Sams made it 1-1 in the 54th minute, giving the hosts renewed belief and shifting the momentum of the match.
But San Diego regained control in key moments and found the decisive goal in the 81st minute. Amelia Van Zanten rose to score with a header, restoring the Wave’s lead and ultimately settling the contest.
The numbers underlined how competitive the match was, even if San Diego held slight edges in several areas. The Wave finished with 55.6 percent possession, 11 total shots and five efforts on target, while Angel City posted 10 shots, three on target and won six corners. The hosts also had to battle through a physical evening, committing 20 fouls as they tried to disrupt San Diego’s rhythm.
At the break, the sides were locked at 0-0, but the second half delivered all three goals and a dramatic swing in momentum. Dudinha’s 49th-minute opener and Van Zanten’s 81st-minute winner proved enough for San Diego, while Sams’ 54th-minute strike was Angel City’s lone reward.
The result leaves San Diego Wave FC with another valuable three points and continues their strong early-season form, while Angel City FC are left to reflect on a match in which they fought back but could not keep the visitors out late on.
