© Kylie Graham-Imagn Images
Last week it was reported that Catarina Macario is set to join the San Diego Wave from Chelsea in what would be a record-breaking contract in the history of women’s soccer. It is believed that San Diego will pay a $300,000 transfer fee and that Macario will sign through to the 2030 National Women’s Soccer League season on a deal worth around $8 million total.
It’s a game-changer off the field, but how would it play out on the field?
Over the last two years, San Diego has made efforts to change its style of play. Under Casey Stoney, their first-ever head coach, their successes were predominantly built on solid defensive foundations. They reached the playoffs in 2022, their inaugural year, before winning the NWSL Shield in 2023.
However, things started to change in 2024.
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