Sunday Night’s marquee matchup in the NWSL will feature both of California’s star-studded clubs meeting for the first time this season. Angel City FC will host the San Diego Wave on April 23 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. The big storyline is the potential debut of USWNT star, Julie Ertz, after a two-year absence.
The 31-year-old signed with Angel City on Monday after making her return to professional play with the USWNT on April 11 against Ireland. Regardless of Ertz’s availability, this Angel City vs Wave matchup should prove to be a pivotal early-season showdown against two rival clubs.
This Sunday, San Diego Wave FC is coming to @bmostadium. Let’s get loud and show them what we’ve got, Los Angeles!
Get your tickets today.
— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) April 20, 2023
Angel City vs Wave Predictions and Best Odds at BMO Stadium
Angel City Current Run of Form
Another week, another Katie Johnson goal for @weareangelcity! pic.twitter.com/FelYOH7vmp
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 16, 2023
Angel City is 1/1/1 in their first three matches this season. After losing to Gotham FC in their opening match, they went on the road to defeat Orlando 2-1. This was followed by a drawback at home to Racing Louisville 2-2. Mexican international Katie Johnson is the team’s only player with multiple goals scored with two in the regular season. In addition, Angel City fell to OL Reign on Wednesday in their opening match of the Challenge Cup group stage 2-0.
San Diego Wave Current Run of Form
Sheridan says NOPE
pic.twitter.com/JElcaCJKGF
— San Diego Wave FC (@sandiegowavefc) April 16, 2023
San Diego are currently in third place after opening the season with two wins and a loss. The Wave won both of their first two matches, including another record-breaking win at home against Chicago 3-2. This was followed by a 3-1 win over North Carolina. They then went to Seattle where they lost to OL Reign 1-0. The Wave have come out of the gate hot in terms of scoring with seven goals scored over three matches. This includes two goals each from Alex Morgan and Jaedyn Shaw. As for the Challenge Cup, the wave pulled out a 1-0 victory over the Portland Thorns after a 65-minute own goal from Meaghan Nally.
Recent Head to Head
The last time these two clubs met was in last season’s record-setting match at Snapdragon Stadium. On September 17, 32,000 fans sold out the first match in San Diego’s new venue. This would end up setting the single-game NWSL attendance record. A goal from then-rookie Jaedyn Shaw helped the Wave win 1-0 in an important late-season match that helped San Diego make the playoffs in their inaugural season.
Angel City vs Wave Prediction
The Wave have yet to win on the road this year. They will head to BMO Stadium in Los Angeles which is sure to be fired up over the arrival of Julie Ertz. Ertz’s availability may play into the outcome, but Angel City have not played with her yet and have yet to find consistency early on this season. Regardless of the presence of Julie Ertz on the pitch, San Diego have been more consistent, especially on offense, and have more talent overall on their squad. 3-1 San Diego Wave.
Current Odds: Angel City vs Wave
ML: SDW +155, ANG +135
Photo Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports, of Jaedyn Shaw Headshot on September 17, 2022.
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