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NWSL

Alex Morgan helps San Diego Wave seal NWSL playoff spot

A 0-2 win for San Diego at Providence Park saw the side from California mathematically seal a post season place.

Sep 30, 2023; Portland, Oregon, USA; San Diego Wave FC forward Alex Morgan (13) celebrates her goal against the Portland Thorns FC with defender Christen Westphal (20) during the first half at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Soobum ImUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

A 0-2 win for San Diego Wave away in the top of the table clash against Portland Thorns was good enough to see the California based outfit be the first team of 2023 season to mathematically secure an NWSL playoff spot with the win also seeing the Wave leapfrog the Thorns back into top spot with 33 points.

San Diego took the lead in the 20th minute with a goal from Republic of Ireland international Kyra Carusa before Alex Morgan doubled the lead for the visitors as the veteran striker bagged her sixth goal of the season with defender Christen Westphal delivering the assist.

San Diego Wave FC forward Kyra Carusa (19) celebrates her goal against the Portland Thorns
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San Diego Wave FC forward Kyra Carusa (19) celebrates her goal against the Portland ThornsSoobum ImUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

With two games of the regular season remaining in the 2023 campaign, all 12 teams are still in with a shout of postseason action with the top two sides advancing straight to the semifinals and teams finishing in third through to sixth progressing to the finals playoffs.

Second placed Portland Thorns are the reigning champions with the Wave featuring the likes of Morgan, Carusa and 15-year-old teenage sensation Melanie Barcenas (who was on the bench for the game in Portland) tipped by many as firm favourites to lift their first ever NWSL title in their second season as a going entity.