San Diego Wave FC left Audi Field with a valuable 1-0 National Women’s Soccer League victory over Washington Spirit on Sunday, August 2, with Lia Godfrey’s second-half finish proving the difference in Washington, D.C.
After a tightly contested, goalless first half, the Wave found the decisive moment in the 60th minute. Lia Godfrey scored in the 60th minute to break the deadlock and give the visitors a lead they would protect through a long closing stretch.
The first half offered little separation between two evenly matched sides. Washington held a narrow edge in possession at 50.1 percent, while San Diego had 49.9 percent, but the Wave carried the greater attacking threat. San Diego finished with 15 shots and six on target, compared with Washington’s six attempts and two on target.
Godfrey’s goal shifted the fixture firmly in the Wave’s favor, though Washington continued to press for an equaliser. The Spirit won three corners and created six shot assists, but could not find the final touch required to turn their pressure into a goal.
San Diego showed composure after taking the lead, absorbing the home side’s late efforts while maintaining a threat of their own. The visitors won four corners and recorded 11 shot assists across the match, underlining their superior attacking volume.
The Wave’s defensive discipline was tested in the final stages, with Laurina Fazer shown a yellow card in the 75th minute and Kenza Dali booked in the eighth minute of stoppage time. Melanie Barcenas had also been cautioned in the 38th minute. But San Diego held out to secure the clean sheet and all three points.
Washington Spirit 0-1 San Diego Wave FC
Goal: Lia Godfrey 60′
