NWSL Challenge Cup 2022: Why San Diego Wave’s resilience was key to their 1-1 draw at Angel City – tactical analysis

Last weekend saw the NWSL make its long-awaited return, and 2022 is widely expected to be the best season yet. As has become the custom, the Challenge Cup has kicked off the year, giving us an opportunity to closely examine each team before the regular league takes centre stage.

There were plenty of interesting results in the opening round of matches, but one game that caught the eye was San Diego Wave’s trip to fellow California side Angel City. Both are embarking on their first-ever campaigns and have significant names involved in their day-to-day running; Angel City’s founders and part-owners include actress Natalie Portman, tennis legends Serena Williams and Billie Jean King, TV presenter James Corden and USWNT greats Mia Hamm and Abby Wambach, whilst England legend Eniola Aluko is their sporting director. Meanwhile, San Diego are owned by Ron Burkle (who also part-owns NHL side Pittsburgh Penguins) and have 2019 World Cup-winning coach Jill Ellis as their president.

This tactical analysis will look at the finer details of the two sides’ 1-1 draw, seeing why neither could edge the other. The analysis will focus specifically on Angel City’s overall tactics and what it taught us about their style of play this year, as well as San Diego’s attacking setup and some areas that they still need to address.

Lineups

Angel City head coach Freya Coombe named a 4-2-3-1 formation for the club’s first official outing, picking Bosnia goalkeeper DiDi Haracic, who followed her in moving from NJ/NY Gotham, and Olympic gold medal-winning Canada defender Vanessa Gilles. She partnered Madison Hammond in central defence, whilst Jasmyne Spencer and New Zealand captain Ali Riley started either side of them. The holding midfield was made up of Dani Weatherholt and Cari Roccaro, whilst former Racing Louisville player Savannah McCaskill started behind ex-Portland Thorns striker Tyler Lussi. Japan international Jun Endo and former Manchester United Women forward Christen Press were given the wing roles.

San Diego Wave also opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, and also had a Canada international in their XI; goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan. The defensive line comprised of former Portland right-back Christen Westphal, ex-Manchester City Women centre-back Abby Dahlkemper, 2022 draft pick Naomi Girma and former Washington Spirit defender Tegan McGrady, whilst Taylor Kornieck and Kristen McNabb gave them protection from the midfield. The attacking line consisted of another NWSL debutant, Amirah Ali, and Mexico international Katie Johnson, with both playing either side of Kelsey Turnbow, who also came out of the 2022 draft. Experienced former Lyon Féminin striker Jodie Taylor was chosen to lead the line.