SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- San Diego Wave FC secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Utah Royals in their highly anticipated home opener match at Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday. The match featured a stellar performance from Gia Corley, who scored her second goal of the season and contributed her first assist, while newcomers Adriana Leon and Maria Sánchez also made their mark on the score sheet. The game got off to an electrifying start with San Diego quickly taking the lead early. Corley made a remarkable run along the end line, outmuscling her defender before sending a precise ball into the 18-yard box. Sánchez, with impeccable timing, extended her leg and poked the ball past Utah goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn to give the Wave a 1-0 advantage. San Diego Wave FC renews broadcast partnership with FOX 5/KUSI San Diego kept the pressure on and in the 37th minute, they doubled their lead. Corley split two defenders at midfield and sent a perfectly weighted pass to Delphine Casarino. The French international sprinted down the field before delivering a cross to Leon, who tapped the ball into the net for her first goal in a Wave jersey, making it 2-0. But Utah wasn’t going down without a fight. In the second half, the Royals responded with two quick goals. Claudia Zornoza struck in the 61st minute with a perfectly placed free kick that sailed into the near post, bringing Utah back into the game. Eleven minutes later, Utah equalized when Mina Tanaka slotted a composed finish past Wave goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan to make it 2-2. Just when it looked like the game might end in a draw, Corley came through again in the 74th minute to seal the win for San Diego. After intercepting a goal kick from McGlynn at the top of the box, Corley fired a powerful shot that deflected off a Utah defender and found the back of the net, giving the Wave their first victory of the season. San Diego's 3-2 win in the home opener was a statement of teamwork, with key contributions from their newest players. The performance marks an exciting start to the season as the club looks to build on this momentum. Looking ahead, San Diego Wave FC will travel to Florida to face Orlando Pride next Saturday, March 29, at 9 a.m. The match, taking place at Inter&Co Stadium, will be broadcast live on ESPN and streamed via ESPN+. ...read more read less