A total of over 23,500 (and counting) fans are expected at Snapdragon Stadium for San Diego’s season opener against the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday evening, and there will be plenty to watch the Wave for not just this weekend but all season as they look to impress in their second year of action.

The 2023 season is rapidly approaching with the NWSL kicking off this Saturday, March 25! The 11^th year of league action will feature 12 teams with the 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup featuring mid-season. In a team-by-team preview, we’ll break down each squad’s big moves, massive matches, and more of what to know as we get ready for the regular season opener. San Diego Wave FC 2022 Season : 3 ^rd | 10-6-6 – 36 points Big Additions : * Danielle Colaprico – Signed via free agency, former Chicago Red Stars midfielder

• Rachel Hill – Signed via free agency, former Chicago Red Stars forward

• Megan Dougherty Howard – Signed via free agency, former Orlando Pride midfielder Key Games : * March 25: Chicago Red Stars (H) – Regular Season Opener

• April 19: Portland Thorns FC – Challenge Cup Opener

• April 23: Angel City FC (A) – First of at least four meetings against SoCal rivals What to Know : A total of over 23,500 (and counting) fans are expected at Snapdragon Stadium for San Diego’s season opener against the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday evening, and there will be plenty to watch the Wave for not just this weekend but all season as they look to impress in their second year of action. Goalkeepers Kailen Sheridan and Carly Telford are back alongside draftee Lauren Brzykcy, as is an impressive defensive line led by Naomi Girma, Kaleigh Riehl, Christen Westphal, and others. Defender Abby Dahlkemper, who has been out since last October after a procedure following a season-ending back injury, is still listed as SEI. The additions of Colaprico and Howard via free agency from Chicago and Orlando respectively, will add to a talented midfield crew already comprised of Taylor Kornieck, Kelsey Turnbow, and others. Two of the club’s other draftees–second round selection Sierra Enge and fourth round selection Giovanna DeMarco–will both add quality and depth to the midfield core as well. The club’s forward line is also stacked with talent, with six returning stars helping complete the attack alongside newcomer Rachel Hill. Amirah Ali and Sofia Jakobsson are back, as are the talented Amirah Ali and Jaedyn Shaw, who is just 18 years old. Forward Alex Morgan is still reeling of an insane 15 goals in 17 games last season to earn the league’s Golden Boot as well and will have more than a few eyes on her throughout the year. One other storyline is the recent signing of San Diego native Melanie Barcenas, who became the youngest professional in the NWSL at 15 years and 138 days old besting Washington Spirit’s Chloe Ricketts (15 years and 283 days), who was signed earlier in March. There’s little doubt San Diego will hold itself to a high standard this season as it aims to finish even higher and challenge for the NWSL Championship.