Wave player Kaleigh Riehl scores the winning goal in the win over Chicago Red Stars. Photo by Chris Stone
Helping the San Diego Wave stay unbeaten in NWSL play, Alex Morgan converted a penalty kick in the 56th minute Sunday as the host team beat the Chicago Red Stars 2-1.
Morgan scored her fifth goal in two matches in front of 5,000 fans at Torero Stadium.
Rookie teammate Kaleigh Riehl added what turned out to be the game-winner in the 89th minute off a set piece from Kelsey Turnbow. It was Riehl’s first goal in the regular season.
“I’m immensely proud of how they’ve conducted themselves, how they’re playing, how they’re performing and we want to support them further,” Wave assistant coach Rich Gunney said after the afternoon match.
San Diego recorded back-to-back shutouts to begin the season, and held Chicago scoreless until a 90th minute goal by Ava Cook brought the margin to one goal.
The Wave defense overall held Chicago to nine total shots, only three on target.
Gunny saw room for improvement.
“It was a patchy first-half performance,” he said. “We made a few small adjustments, and I’m really pleased with the mindset and the attitude of the players coming out in the second half.”
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Teammates congratulate Alex Morgan on her penalty kick goal. Photo by Chris Stone Alex Morgan makes a shot toward the net. Photo by Chris Stone Kaleigh Riehl is congratulated after making the match-winning goal. Photo by Chris Stone A young girl is delighted when Alex Morgan signed her shirt. Photo by Chris Stone Alex Morgan signs a fan’s jersey after the match. Photo by Chris Stone Wave owner Ron Burkle speaks with star Alex Morgan after the match. Photo by Chris Stone Taylor Kornieck attacks near the box. Photo by Chris Stone
Morgan’s penalty kick goal was set up when Sofia Jakobsson aggressively pursued the ball in the second half when she drew a foul in the box.
The Wave attack racked up 19 shots.
Riehl, who scored the first goal in club history against Angel City in the Challenge Cup, found herself alone in the box on a designed set piece when the ball arrived from Turnbow.
“It was a great set piece,” Riehl said. “I found myself wide open and put it away.”
After controlling the ball with her chest, Riehl slotted the ball into the right corner of the net to give Wave a 2-0 advantage in the 89th minute.
Abby Dahlkemper, who didn’t play in Sunday’s match, was injured last Saturday. She will be available for play this coming week.
The Wave will head to Kentucky where they will face Racing Louisville FC at 4:30 p.m Pacific Wednesday.
It begins a stretch of four road matches before the club returns home June 8 to Torero Stadium against the Portland Thorns.