NWSL Power Rankings: Every team’s strengths and weaknesses

3. San Diego Wave

Strength: Defensive power

While the Wave have one of the best attacks in the league, they’ve got their defense locked in. Under the incredibly watchful eye of Naomi Girma and the brick wall that is Kailen Sheridan, the Wave are experts at shutting down the opposition. If a ball makes it past the formidable defensive work of Colaprico in the midfield, it’s unlikely to get further than the centerback pairing of Girma and Riehl. And if it does, Sheridan is right there to make the save, just like she did this weekend against the Reign.

Weakness: Getting the ball forward

The Wave were successfully stifled by the Reign on Saturday, as the Seattle side confined them to their own half. While the Wave are excellent at getting their ball cleared and stopping charges, when they’re holding possession, they sometimes struggle to get the ball forward. The connection in the middle was snuffed out by the Reign, with the most productive passes taking place in the Wave’s own half. Lofting some more high balls over to Alex Morgan and Jayden Shaw will greatly benefit the Wave’s attack.