Wave have turned the corner, climbed the standings

by Fernando Ramirez

The San Diego Wave return to Snapdragon Stadium feeling like they’re finally back on course.

The club tied three winnable matches in a row until last weekend, when it beat Bay FC 2-1 in San Jose. Up next for the Wave (8-3-5): A showdown with Racing Louisville (6-6-4) at 5 p.m. Sunday.

“We know it’s an even league, but we control our own performance,” Wave coach Jonas Eidevall said. “We need to be able to look ourselves in the mirror after to say that we reached the standards we want to do. That was nice to see that we had a good training week. We had a good performance there as well, but now we need to repeat, and we need to do it again.”

The Wave’s young players are learning the nuances of the game, often on the fly. Following this month’s tie against rival Angel City, midfielder Kenza Dali broke down some film. She explained to 17-year-old forward Kimmi Ascanio that she needed to improve her positioning on the field.

Ascanio took the veteran’s advice, and good things happened. She scored in the 52nd minute of last weekend’s match, giving the Wave a 1-0 lead.

Ten minutes later, Dali provided a highlight play of her own. Her rocket from distance proved to be the game-winning goal.

Dali and Ascanio share a bond. When Dali first came to San Diego from France, she noticed the Wave’s No. 17 and asked new teammate Delphine Cascarino who the player was. Dali said she was amazed by Ascanio’s skill.

“I think she’s the future,” Dali said. “She can achieve so many things. … I see the full potential that she can achieve. I think she can be one of the best players.”

Dali decided to take the young forward under her wing. The veteran midfielder says she annoys Ascanio during practice, in film sessions and on the pitch, trying to help the young player grow.

“I think (it’s good) to have her as a role model, and as someone who can be there for me when I need it,” Ascanio said. “Also (to) push me when I need to be pushed, (that) is something that is helping me a lot and very grateful.”

Veterans like Dali, Cascarino and Kailen Sheridan are valuable resources for a young Wave core that also includes defender Trinity Armstrong and forward Melanie Barcenas. Like Ascanio, Barcenas is 17; Armstrong turned 18 last month.

“I think the ones that we have on our team are special, and we learn from them as much as possible,” Ascanio said. “So I think it’s definitely an advantage.”

Ascanio joined the Wave last season as a 16-year-old, but appeared in only six matches. She has found a home in Eidevall’s scheme, which emphasizes controlling the ball and positioning. Ascanio has played in 16 matches, scoring four goals and logging an assist. She is tied with Adriana Leon for the team lead in scoring.

“There’s been ups and downs, but I think so far, the team’s in a really good spot,” Ascanio said. “It’s just a lot of fun with the type of players we have and the style of play that we have.”

Last week’s win, coupled with the Orlando Pride’s loss to Angel City FC and a tie between Louisville and the Washington Spirit, moved the Wave to second place in the 14-team National Women’s Soccer League.

Despite their midseason scoring struggles, the Wave rank second in the NWSL with 28 goals. Things indeed appear to be turning around.

“I think we just needed a second to find their groove again,” Ascanio said, “and I think we did that this past weekend.”