Sanchez, McNabb give San Diego Wave first W Champions Cup victory | OneFootball

PANAMA CITY – San Diego Wave FC won 2-nil against Santa Fe FC in the 2024/25 Concacaf W Champions Cup group stage on Tuesday at the Estadio Rommel Fernández in Panama City, Panama.

The reigning NWSL Shield winners scored their first goal of the competition in the 2’ when María Sánchez struck a loose ball inside the penalty area after an uncharacteristic mistake from Santa Fe goalkeeper Yenith Bailey.

San Diego captain Alex Morgan tried to double her team’s lead in the 34’ but was just offside. She tried her again minutes later with a backheel shot, but Bailey was wary of the attempt.

Hannah Lee drew a free kick in the 37’ after being fouled by Wave forward Sofia Jakobsson, but the set piece attempt went over the crossbar as the NWSL side took the lead into the halftime break.

Erika Largo tried to surprise San Diego goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan in the 59’, but her attempt was wide.

Kristen McNabb scored the second goal for San Diego in the 64’, assisted by Hanna Lundkvist, sending a header past Bailey to extend the lead for the U.S. side.

San Diego Wave FC earned its first three points in the tournament to take first place in Group B. The club will look to build on its initial victory when it faces fellow NWSL club Portland Thorns on September 18 at Snapdragon Stadium in California.

Santa Fe will retake the pitch against Vancouver Whitecaps FC on September 4 at the Estadio Universidad Latina in Penonomé, Panama.