San Diego Wave Parts Ways with Head Coach Casey Stoney
Kosport Magazine–In a shocking move, San Diego Wave has announced their decision to part ways with their head coach, Casey Stoney. After a seven-game winless streak, the club’s president, Jill Ellis, made the tough decision to fire Stoney based on data and poor team form.
“We’re an ambitious club and right now we are limiting opportunities,” Ellis stated in a press conference held on Tuesday. “To qualify for the Concacaf Champions League, we need to win the league, finish second, or win the championship. We felt that a change was necessary at this time.”
Stoney’s dismissal was made independent of the club’s new general manager, Camille Ashton. However, Ellis consulted with the new ownership, as the team is currently in the middle of an NWSL record sale process. Billionaire Ron Burkle is in the process of selling the team to the Levine Leichtman family in a two-part transaction.
To fill the void left by Stoney’s departure, the Wave has appointed Paul Buckle as the interim head coach. Buckle, who previously served as an interim assistant coach for the team in 2022, has taken his U.S. Soccer Pro License course with Ellis.
Despite the team’s current struggles, Stoney’s achievements cannot be overlooked. She led the Wave to a Shield title in her first year as coach and also won the Challenge Cup in March. The team also became the first NWSL expansion team to make the playoffs in its inaugural season.
However, in an attempt to transition the team’s style of play to a possession-based one, Stoney faced challenges and the team’s performance suffered. With only 12 goals scored in 14 games, the Wave currently sit in ninth place, one point outside the playoff line.
Despite the tough decision, Ellis believes that the team’s talent and potential can lead them to greater success. “There’s talent in this room and I think we can be better than where we are currently,” she said in a meeting with the players.
As for Stoney’s future, Ellis has no doubt that she will continue to make an impact in the soccer world. “Casey is ambitious and I have no doubt that she will be sought after by other teams,” Ellis acknowledged, adding that they will stay in touch.
Kosport Magazine’s Take: As the club looks for a new head coach, there is no doubt that many experienced and talented coaches will be eager to take on the challenge. Stoney’s departure serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of coaching in sports, but her success and determination will surely lead her to new opportunities. We wish her the best in her future endeavors.
