San Diego Wave Ready for Playoff Match Against Portland Thorns

PORTLAND, Ore. — The San Diego Wave will play their first playoff game since 2023 on Sunday afternoon against the Portland Thorns at Providence Park. This matchup comes after both teams ended their regular season games in draws, both 1-1.

Former Wave star and minority investor Alex Morgan, who will be in attendance, shared that she feels more nerves as a fan than she did when she played. “Throughout the game, I actually end up getting more nervous as we get to, like, the 70th to 80th minute,” Morgan said. “As a player, the nerves would kind of be at the very beginning, and then at the end of the game, you’re just like, whatever.”

Morgan recalls her last playoff experience with the Wave, where they lost to the Seattle Reign. Veronica Latsko scored in the 47th minute to secure an upset victory for the Reign at Snapdragon Stadium. Morgan emphasized the unpredictability of the National Women’s Soccer League playoffs: “Being able to host a playoff game is great, but at the same time, anything can happen in the NWSL. It’s by far the most competitive league in the world.”

Besides her soccer involvement, Morgan is managing her business ventures, including her media company Togethxr and investment firm Trybe Ventures. She was recently appointed to the NWSL’s advisory board. “It’s been busy, both personally and professionally,” she shared. “I have wanted to continue to stay involved as much as I can on the soccer side.”

As a full-time mom, Morgan enjoys attending games with her daughter Charlie and son Enzo. “Charlie really loves Kailen Sheridan. She actually told me the other day she wanted to be a goalkeeper,” Morgan said, chuckling. Sheridan replied that she felt “honored” that Charlie wants to play in goal, sharing a pre-game ritual where they wave to each other for good luck.

Alongside Morgan, six-time NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler joined the Wave as a minority stakeholder this fall. Butler admires what the organization is building, showing a strong commitment to soccer. The Wave faced a challenging season but began strong with a record of 7-3-3. However, they struggled after the midseason break, going 1-5-4.

Morgan noted the team’s resilience: “They had to dig themselves out of a little hole in the middle of the season, and they were able to do so.” In the final stretch, the Wave regained their momentum with a record of 10-5. Brazilian winger Dudinha became a key player, scoring four goals in the final three matches, earning her spot in the starting lineup.

First-year coach Jonas Eidevall has successfully integrated new players and relied on veterans to guide the team, facing significant challenges after last season’s outcome. “Given where we ended last year, it was definitely a large task to take over,” Morgan noted.

The Wave now have the opportunity to achieve a title for the first time as they head into the playoffs. “I’m really looking forward to enjoying the playoffs and seeing the Wave make a big run,” Morgan said.