Makenzy Doniak’s second-half score ended a streak of four consecutive scoreless halves for the Wave in a 1-1 home draw against the Orlando Pride.
It was also the equalizer needed to secure a point against the league’s top team who had a league-record eight straight victories until Friday night.
Maria Sanchez took a left-footed shot towards Orlando goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse in the 62nd minute. Moorhouse punched the ball away from the goal but it found Doniak, who replaced Mya Jones to begin the second half. Doniak’s shot deflected off defender Kerry Abello and into the goal for San Diego’s score.
DONIAK DID THAT 🔥 pic.twitter.com/5Kj5oJTd3c
— San Diego Wave FC (@sandiegowavefc) June 8, 2024
It was a relief to many after they took so many shots and none of them found the net.
The Wave finished the night with 19 shots, 13 of them on target. Eight of those were blocked and four were saved by Moorhouse. The one goal was finally scored by Doniak.
Orlando got the lead in the 36th minute of the opening half when Barbra Banda used her speed to create space. Her pass forced Julie Doyle off balance but her shot made its way past a diving Kailen Sheridan.
What a finish 😱 Julie Doyle, take a bow!
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 8, 2024
Watch now on @SportsonPrime 📺 pic.twitter.com/SCh35WgKYq
Earlier in the match, Sheridan made her 500th career regular-season save, becoming the third player to do so in NWSL history.
Three Wave players received yellow cards in the match to the Pride’s zero: Naomi Girma in the 17th minute; Kyra Carusa in the 85th minute; Emily van Egmond in the 87th minute.
Up next: The Wave begin a three-match, eight-day road trip on Saturday, June 15 when they visit the Washington Spirit, followed by NJ/NY Gotham FC on Wednesday, June 19, and the Houston Dash on Saturday, June 22.