San Diego Wave Let Victory Slip as Angel City Strikes Late for 1-1 Draw

August 13, 2025 — NWSL — (Photo: Jochesports)

San Diego Wave and Angel City FC ended in a 1-1 draw in a match full of intensity, alternating control, and late drama. The home side appeared to have the upper hand with 60% possession and high pressing that forced the visitors to close down spaces and defend in a compact block. Makenzy Doniak’s goal in the 85th minute seemed to seal the victory for the Wave, the result of relentless effort and constant creativity in a tight, sometimes scrappy game.

Angel City, however, never gave up. Wave goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan had kept her team ahead with a big save minutes earlier, but in added time Allysha Kennedy struck at 90’+2, finishing after Svava Jonsdottir’s well-read pass. The equalizer was a heavy blow for San Diego, who had been managing the game with more composure and cleaner transitions.

The stats underline the clash of styles: San Diego dominated possession and passing accuracy (482 passes to 312), while Angel City produced more total shots (14 to 10) and showed defensive grit with 23 tackles compared to the home side’s 18. The game was physical, with 16 combined fouls, but also tactical, with decisive moments in high pressing and strategic adjustments from both benches.

After the match, frustration was evident in the Wave press conference. Head coach Jonas E. admitted the draw was disappointing given how close they were to securing three points at home. Players stressed the importance of continuing to create chances and keeping the intensity high, even in tight matches and during long breaks in the schedule that disrupt form. For Angel City, the point felt like a small moral victory, proving their resilience and ability to strike late under pressure.

This draw leaves both teams with mixed feelings: for San Diego, the unfinished task of closing out matches; for Angel City, the confidence that even with limited opportunities, they can rescue important results.