In an exciting match held in Harrison, N.J., the San Diego Wave emerged victorious in the Challenge Cup with a 1-0 win over Gotham FC. The decisive goal came in the 88th minute when Alex Morgan, who started as a substitute in the second half, scored a header off a corner kick delivered by Savannah McCaskill.
The match showcased a tight contest between the two teams, with both sides displaying skill and determination. The Wave, boasting the best record of the season at 11-7-4, faced off against Gotham FC, the reigning league champions who clinched the NWSL Shield with a victory over the Seattle Reign.
Gotham FC, in a bid to strengthen their squad, made significant additions during the offseason, bringing in high-profile players such as Crystal Dunn, Rose Lavelle, Emily Sonnett, and Tierna Davidson, all of whom are regulars in the U.S. national team.
The game saw several close calls, including a notable opportunity for the Wave in the 33rd minute when Gotham goalkeeper Cassie Miller made a crucial save to deny Jaedyn Shaw's shot.
The Challenge Cup final drew a notable crowd, with attendance announced at 14,241. Among the spectators were Douglas Emhoff, the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, and Sen. Cory Booker, adding to the excitement of the event.
With the Challenge Cup now concluded, attention turns to the upcoming NWSL regular season, set to kick off on Saturday. The San Diego Wave's victory in the final sets a positive tone for their campaign, while Gotham FC will look to regroup and build on their strong offseason acquisitions as they aim for success in the upcoming season.
