SAN DIEGO — A growth spurt for women's soccer, both locally via the new San Diego Wave and in England where the recent UEFA Women's Euro 2022 opener drew 68,000 fans, counts as refreshing in a soccer and sports world that can overheat on ego of fans and participants.
"Sportsmanship and Kindness." So read a homemade banner, draped over a railing at Fullerton's Titan Stadium in March for the first match between the Wave and Angel City of Los Angeles, newcomers to the National Women's Soccer League. Girls and women formed a large share of the 7,000 fans on hand for the preseason game.
Wave matches at the University of San Diego serve up intense soccer but a festive atmosphere long on sportsmanship and short on vitriol.
