Abby Dahlkemper was San Diego Wave FC’s official first-ever signing, and it was a terrific first player to add to the expansion squad on paper. A stalwart in the NWSL, Dahlkemper had been a regular on the U.S. Women’s National Team squad that won the 2019 World Cup, and entering the 2022 season at 28, seemed to be approaching her peak as a professional.
Unfortunately, while San Diego had a stellar season all around, Dahlkemper never found a regular rhythm and while she played her part, it ended up being a lost season of sorts for her.