da cassino： San Diego Wave announce shock departure of manager Casey Stoney after tough start to the NWSL season.
da dobrowin： Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
SD Wave sack Casey StoneyNWSL side won 2023 ShieldHave had tough start to 2024 campaignWHAT HAPPENED?
After finding themselves winless in their last seven matches, the San Diego Wave announced Monday afternoon that they are parting ways with English manager Casey Stoney. Paul Buckle is set to serve as interim head coach.
The longest-tenured coach in the league, Stoney was the Wave's founding manager in 2021, and even recently signed a contract extension with the NWSL side in January after being linked as a potential replacement for Emma Hayes at Chelsea.
AdvertisementUSA Today ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The Wave won the 2023 NWSL Shield, finishing the campaign as regular season champions. They followed it up with a 2024 Challenge Cup victory over reigning NWSL Cup champions Gotham FC.
However, the 2024 regular season has not gone to plan for the Wave. They actively sit ninth in the league standings, outside the playoff picture, with just three victories.
The Wave are winless in their last seven, and a recent 0-0 draw with the Houston Dash was the final straw.
WHAT JILL ELLIS SAID
“We are immensely grateful to Casey for her commitment to our club and the positive impact she has had both on and off the pitch.” said San Diego Wave FC President Jill Ellis. “Over the past seasons, Casey has guided us to significant milestones, and her contributions have been instrumental in laying a strong foundation on which to build. The decision to part ways was very hard and not made in haste, but given the ambition of this club, and where we are in our season, we felt a change was necessary at this time.”
USA TODAY SportsWHAT NEXT FOR THE WAVE?
San Diego take on the Chicago Red Stars Friday evening in NWSL action. They'll be searching for their first win since May 8.