Soccer teams Angel City FC and San Diego Wave FC initiate their regional rivalry in the National Women's Soccer League at BMO Stadium.
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As the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) gears up for its 2025 regular season, the spotlight shines brightly on Southern California as Angel City FC and San Diego Wave FC engage in an electrifying rivalry match at BMO Stadium on Sunday, March 16.
Supporting the Community in the Face of Adversity
Following the destructive wildfires that ravaged Southern California in January, Angel City FC spearheaded their "Seats of Strength" initiative, offering tickets to home games at BMO Stadium to first responders and those impacted by the calamity. With the opening game of the season, San Diego Wave FC joins forces with their counterparts in expressing solidarity and appreciation to the community.
"This sport has the power to unite people, especially during challenging times," remarked San Diego's Chief Impact Officer, Shannon Mac Millan. "Taking part in Angel City's program highlights our commitment to supporting those who have suffered and showcasing our gratitude to the tireless first responders."
Prior to the kickoff, both sides will don "LA Strong" t-shirts as a show of support for fire relief efforts.
"Losing everything in a matter of hours has been unbearable for many," Angel City's CEO and Co-Founder, Julie Uhrman, noted. "While we can't mend broken hearts, Seats of Strength is one small way for us to give back and bring a little joy to those who need it most."
New Faces, New Strategies
With a 3-5-3 all-time series record between the two clubs following their inaugural season in 2022, the upcoming contest promises to be a fierce test for both squads. Despite the club's turbulent season following the dismissal of former Head Coach Casey Stoney, they now find themselves under the command of former Arsenal manager, Jonas Eidevall. Similarly, San Diego Wave FC boasts 12 fresh player signings, including international standouts such as Adriana Leon, Favour Emmanuel, and Gia Corley, who scored at the season opener against Angel City.
Defender Kennedy Wesley, speaking to Forbes, emphasized the importance of executing their game plan and identifying their strengths in facing their rivals: "This game is a tremendous opportunity for us to gauge where our team stands and to start setting our sights on a positive trajectory for the season."
Meanwhile, Angel City FC has appointed Sam Laity, former Seattle Reign FC Assistant Coach and Houston Dash coach, as its interim head coach. Former Head Coach Becki Tweed now serves as the Wave's assistant coach after spending a year and a half as an assistant coach for Angel City, followed by a stint as their head coach in 2024.
Goalkeeper Didi Haračić, a veteran of three seasons in LA, utilized free agency to join the Wave, while Angel City has added eight new players to its roster, including international defenders Alanna Kennedy and Miyabi Moriya.
"Our identity and what it takes for us to succeed is our primary focus," Interim Head Coach Sam Laity stated. "This game against San Diego offers us a chance to test our mettle and gauge our progress."
Tune in to ESPN2 for the highly anticipated faceoff between Angel City FC and San Diego Wave FC at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. Kickoff is set for 3:50 PM PT/7:50 PM ET. Hang on to your seats, as this match promises to be a thrilling start to the 2025 NWSL season!
[1] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angel_City_FC
[2] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Diego_Wave_FC
[3] www.espn.com/soccer/womens-nhlsl-yellow-seeds/story/4723961/nwsl-reports-angel-city-fc-san-diego-waves-opener-ends-in-a-draw
[4] www.wavesfc.com/post/2025/03/15/game-recap-angel-city-fc-San-Diego-waves
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Evolution of the Rivalry
Dating back to the inaugural NWSL season of 2022, Angel City FC and San Diego Wave FC have become locked in a fierce, competitive rivalry. The SoCal derby has generated excitement and fiery competition, consistently attracting large crowds.
- Formative Years: Their first encounter transpired in the 2022 Challenge Cup, resulting in a 1-1 draw and a 4-2 win for San Diego. Their first regular-season meeting, on July 9, 2022, ended with a 2-1 win for Angel City. San Diego would claim the next match on September 17, 2022, with a 1-0 victory.
- Recent Developments: In 2023, San Diego triumphed 2-0, followed by Angel City's 2-1 victory in August 2024. The teams later drew 0-0 in May.
Roster Transitions and Team Strategies
Both clubs have undergone numerous roster adjustments. San Diego has gone through a significant revamp under new coach Jonas Eidevall, sacrificing notable stars like Alex Morgan and Naomi Girma but bolstering their roster with international talent. Angel City has also pursued a transformation, recruiting young players including Julie Dufour and Savy King.
Regional Impact and the Road Ahead
Thanks to its local nature, the Angel City vs. San Diego Wave rivalry carries a unique intensity. Players and coaches alike have emphasized the importance of the matchup in the broader landscape of women's soccer. With both teams refining their strategies and recruiting fresh talent, the rivalry is expected to remain a highlight for fans throughout the 2025 NWSL season.
- Despite the economic importance of sports, the unwavering commitment to the community was evident in the lead-up to the 2025 NWSL season kickoff, as both Angel City FC and San Diego Wave FC donned "LA Strong" t-shirts, demonstrating their support for fire relief efforts in the face of Southern California's recent wildfire devastation.
- Miyabi Moriya, one of the new faces gracing Angel City's roster, will be keenly aware of the electrifying SoCal derby atmosphere, as she joins long-time goalkeeper Didi Haračić in their upcoming contest against San Diego Wave FC, a rivalry that has evolved from its formative years into a fierce rivalry presenting a valuable opportunity for both teams to test their strategies and gauge their progress in the 2025 season.
- As San Diego Wave FC enters the 2025 season under the command of former Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall, focused on executing their game plan and identifying their strengths, especially talented newcomers like Adriana Leon, Favour Emmanuel, and Gia Corley, will be looking to leave an indelible mark on this high-stakes faceoff against Angel City FC.
