San Diego Wave FC claimed a valuable 2-1 National Women’s Soccer League victory over North Carolina Courage on Saturday night, with Gia Corley and Melanie Barcenas supplying the goals at Snapdragon Stadium.
Corley gave the Wave a deserved first-half advantage in the 23rd minute, finishing to put the hosts in front after a controlled opening spell. San Diego carried that 1-0 lead into the interval, having held a slight edge in possession and kept the Courage from turning their attacking pressure into a breakthrough.
North Carolina came out with greater urgency after the restart and ultimately finished the match with more shots, 13 to San Diego’s nine, as well as six efforts on target. But the Wave struck the crucial second goal in the 72nd minute when Barcenas doubled the home side’s lead.
The Courage refused to fade. Ashley Sanchez pulled one back in the 82nd minute, setting up a tense closing stretch as the visitors searched for a late equaliser. San Diego, however, stood firm through five minutes of added time to see out the result.
The Wave finished with 53 percent possession and five shots on target, while both sides committed nine fouls in a competitive fixture watched by 9,853 supporters in San Diego.
The win moves San Diego Wave FC to a 13-3-8 record. They return to action on Friday, September 18 against Kansas City Current. North Carolina Courage, now 12-3-9, will look to respond when they face Gotham FC on Saturday, September 19.
Goals: Gia Corley 23′, Melanie Barcenas 72′ (San Diego Wave FC); Ashley Sanchez 82′ (North Carolina Courage).
