San Diego Wave falls to Orlando Pride as Lizbeth Ovalle scores debut goal

Ovalle Shines with First Goal

The clash between San Diego Wave and Orlando Pride featured a historic moment: the first goal by Lizbeth “La Maga” Ovalle in the NWSL wearing the Pride shirt. In just the 7th minute, the Mexican midfielder opened the scoring with a precise finish inside the box, marking a dream debut with her new team.

Dudinha Strikes Back for the Hosts

Wave responded quickly thanks to Dudinha, who scored in the 9th minute by capitalizing on a rebound in the area. The Brazilian showcased her sharp instincts and reignited hopes for the home fans at Snapdragon Stadium.

Pickett Seals the Win

In the second half, Pride secured the decisive advantage in the 53rd minute when Carson Pickett found the net after a collective play. That goal put the match out of reach for Wave, who despite repeated offensive efforts could not overcome the defensive wall or the outstanding saves from goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse.

Playoff Hopes Take a Hit

With this defeat, San Diego Wave drops out of the spots guaranteeing home playoff matches, a tough blow given how close the season is to its conclusion. The team must react quickly to avoid relying on external results to secure a better postseason position.

Pride Rising

Meanwhile, Orlando Pride continues to grow and gain confidence, highlighted by Ovalle’s impact and the squad’s ability to compete against top-tier rivals. This victory strengthens their position in the standings and fuels their ambitions for a strong finish.