Forward Amirah Ali scores a goal against Utah Royals just 27 seconds into play. Photo courtesy San Diego Wave
The San Diego Wave struck fast Saturday night — at long last in their star-crossed season.
Forward Amirah Ali scored the fastest goal in team history — and the fourth-fastest ever in the league — finding the back of the net just 27 seconds into play as San Diego became the final club in the National Women’s Soccer League to win on the road this year by defeating the Utah Royals 2-1 in Sandy, Utah.
Midfielder Delphine Cascarino went down the right wing to the end line and sent a cross to the near post and Ali redirected it with her body into the back of the net.
Moments later, the Wave (4-9-7, 19 points) continued to put pressure on expansion Utah (4-13-3, 15 points) and doubled the lead in the sixth minute — viewed by 9,494 at America First Field.
Midfielder Emily van Egmond played in captain Makenzy Doniak behind the line of Utah and the Southern California native found an ongoing Cascarino on the far post.
Midfielder Delphine Cascarino scores her first NWSL career goal in Utah match. Photo courtesy San Diego Wave
The French international struck it first time past Utah goalkeeper Mandy Haught on a night midfielder Jaedyn Shaw made her first appearance for the Wave since July 5.
The 19-year-old was with the U.S. Women’s National Team that won the gold medal at the Olympics and had been out with a thigh injury since returning to San Diego.
In the 59th minute, Utah’s newest signee — Cloé Lacasse — ripped a shot from outside the 18-yard box off the post and into the side netting out of range of goalkeeper Hillary Beall.
The Wave’s regular goalkeeper — Olympian Kailen Sheridan — wasn’t available due to suspension for a red card in the club’s last match.
Next up, San Diego returns home to face Portland Thorns in the Concacaf W Champions Cup on at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
The Wave will play three games in a 10-day span – Portland (Sept. 18), at Chicago (Sept. 21) and hosting Portland again (Sept. 28).
no stopping now 👊 back home on wednesday for a @ConcacafW champions cup clash vs. portland!— San Diego Wave FC (@sandiegowavefc) September 15, 2024