When San Diego Wave FC step onto the pitch for the 2025 NWSL regular season, they’ll be two years removed from their 2023 NWSL Shield win and their last playoff appearance. It’s hardly the longest drought ever for a sports team, but for the four-year-old franchise that set a winning standard in 2022, it’s new territory.
The club now finds itself taking its first steps in a rebuild after a busy offseason. General manager and former NWSL player Camille Ashton Levin mentioned, “It’s no secret,” noting the various circumstances the club has had to navigate since her arrival.
Ashton emphasized the desire for sustainable competition, seeking long-term stability rather than just temporary wins.
Midseason Changes
The rebuilding process began midseason in 2024, following the dismissal of former head coach Casey Stoney, which resulted from a seven-game winless streak. This drastic decision was made in hopes of salvaging a lackluster season. This decision reportedly affected team morale, contributing to the Wave’s crash out of playoff contention.
Additionally, significant transitions for the club included U.S. women’s national team forward Alex Morgan’s midseason retirement announced alongside her pregnancy, prompting even further uncertainty.
Offseason Acquisitions
Ashton and the organization embraced the rebuild, recently negotiating a landmark transfer fee with Chelsea FC for player Naomi Girma, while facilitating Jaedyn Shaw’s trade after her request to move. They also faced challenges in appointing a new head coach after a tumultuous previous season.
They recently appointed Jonas Eidevall to lead the team, a decision not taken lightly to ensure a thorough hiring process.
Future Outlook
The reliance on younger players to grow into leadership roles poses challenges. However, Ashton is confident in the emergence of these new leaders within the squad. Notable players like Kalien Sheridan are expected to play pivotal roles moving forward.
As they prepare for the upcoming season, the potential for growth remains strong. Yet, the stakes are high, and the journey ahead reflects an exciting yet uncertain path for the San Diego Wave FC.
