Angel City, Wave kick off season with 1-1 draw in rivalry tilt

Alyssa Thompson scored early in the second half as Angel City FC pulled off a 1-1 tie against the San Diego Wave on Sunday in the rivals' season opener in Los Angeles.

Thompson dribbled in on goal and created just enough space on Wave defender Kristen McNabb to fire a right-footed shot toward the left post and past diving goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan in the 54th minute.

The goal in the opener came after Thompson led Angel City in goal contributions last season by scoring five times with seven assists as a 19-year-old.

Angelina Anderson made five saves for Angel City. Their next match is Friday at the Portland Thorns.

Gia Corley scored a first-half goal for the Wave, while Sheridan made three saves. San Diego is set for its home opener Saturday against the Utah Royals.

In her NWSL debut, Corley needed less than five minutes to score when she took a centering pass from Delphine Cascarino and slotted a shot past Anderson from the top of the 6-yard box.

Thompson first had a chance to tie the game in the 34th minute on a breakaway, before Sheridan was able to poke the ball away.

San Diego lost despite holding possession for 63 percent of the game with a 16-10 advantage on shots.

--Field Level Media