Unbeaten through two matches, the new-look San Diego Wave (1-0-1) will find out how good they really are Saturday in Florida.
The Orlando Pride (2–0) have won by scores of 6-0 and 2-0 as they begin defense of the regular season and postseason titles they won in the National Women’s Soccer League last year.
The Wave would welcome another 90-minute show of savvy, ball skill and stamina from French midfielder Kenza Dali. The ninth-year professional has acclimated fast to numerous challenges since the Wave signed her in late January.
Dali stands second on the club in es, es completed and expected assists per game, despite her surprising move to a new and more defensively oriented position. Also, the 33-year-old has defied her age by playing every minute.
The 5-foot-4 French midfielder, a veteran of the World Cup and Olympics, answered several questions Friday from Orlando:
What led you to the Wave after logging six years in England’s Super League?
A: I’m not gonna lie, that wasn’t the plan. But (Wave executives) Cammi (Ashton) and Chris (Loxston) called me first, and were really interested in my profile. And then, I had a call with (coach) Jonas (Eidevall), and I knew Jonas from (English opponent) Arsenal, and they convinced me. This is how I landed in San Diego.
How were they able to convince you?
A: I love the philosophy of the way Jonas wants to play football. That’s really my type of play. I had seen his team repeating position and playing toward the center of the pitch. This is the football I like. I was like, let’s give it a chance, you know?
What did they tell you about what they liked about your game?
A: At the beginning, I was supposed to play high on the pitch. Because I’ve never played so deep in my whole career. Really, everything is new for me. Everything — lifestyle, I’m so far from my home and on the pitch as well. I’m an 8-10 (center midfielder and attacking midfielder), and right now, I’m playing a 6 (defensive midfielder), which I never did in my whole life.
It’s an in-possession game. I like beautiful football. I like when we kick the ball, we control the opponent. I like attractive football. I like scoring goals. So, the teams that are too direct, this is not really my type of football. I feel like Jonas is completely a fit in that he sees football the same way I see it.
Do you enjoy the role as defensive midfielder?
I enjoy being on the pitch, I enjoy being a part of this team. Obviously I always played high on the pitch. But you need to put your own interests aside when coming to a team. If he thinks the team needs me deeper, then I agree with it. It’s not about individualities. It’s about, how can we win games?
You are light on your feet. You move like a 23-year-old. How have you been able to age so well?
A: You know what, my data — my GPS data — are always the highest in the team. I’ve always been the highest in distances, by far. The last game (a 3-2 home win Saturday against Utah) I did more than 11 kilometers (6.8 miles).
I think it’s in my DNA. I’m lucky. It’s a lot of work as well. I take care of myself. I always did, especially after big injuries. I really don’t feel like my age. I know everyone is saying that (about themselves). But that’s the truth. I’m still the highest in data. That’s something we can quantify….On paper, people are like, ‘Ah, she’s 33 years old, surely she can’t move anymore.’ (Laughs.) I feel like you can’t play my position if you’re not able to repeat the performance and cover a lot of distance. The game is demanding, especially in this league.
What was your life like growing up in , outside of Lyon?
A: I’ve never been unhappy. I’m lucky to have a big, big family. We went through difficult things in our life, but I always feel grateful. I’m always saying to myself, there’s always worse than us.
I’m grateful my parents really did everything for us. My dad can’t read, can’t write, but we all have degrees. They sacrificed a lot for us. I’m grateful for that.
With your siblings, were you playing sports?
A: I’m the only one who played soccer. We were mostly a basketball family. But I brought soccer to my family, so we have to follow it. I’ve got two brothers and one sister, but I lost a brother.
It’s really, really different. The teams here are so much more direct, and it’s a really transitional league. In , we will see the short first. The long one will be the last option. USA is the opposite. They see first the long , second the short one. So, that’s really different. Everything I saw in England was different in of that. The English were quite direct compared to . But, USA is really, really direct.
So, San Diego, we try to be different. We try to control the game. We try to play with high quality, with Jonas’ philosophy.
How does the crowd atmosphere here compared to what you experienced in Europe?
A: I’ve been lucky to start with — seeing I don’t know, maybe the two best crowds (environments) in the league (San Diego and Los Angeles). I don’t know if it’s a good thing, because then when I go to another place, I’m going to be disappointed.
I really enjoyed the atmosphere at (the Wave’s home opener). I found it amazing. And we need that. This is actually why I’m playing football as well. This is the kind of vibe I like. I’m just happy to be on the pitch. You want people, you want a full stadium, you want this atmosphere. I really found it incredible at home.
You’re French. You want to enjoy life.
A: Yeah, yeah, yeah. This is what we are all about.
Have you been able to see much of San Diego outside of your soccer responsibilities?
A: Honestly, I haven’t yet, because the schedule’s been crazy. … But, I promised to myself that, after the international windows, I’m going to start enjoying San Diego a little bit more, yeah.”
Do you miss French food?
A: Ah, French food. You know, you can go everywhere around the world, you won’t find the same. It’s just, like, different. We’re famous for that. It’s quality, and we always say, we eat with the eyes first. So, you can’t compare French food to all around the world. I’m just adapting to everything.
How do you think the Wave soccer team will progress, as there are many players (including three 17-year-olds) still getting to know each other?
A: That’s the most difficult part. We’re playing Orlando, and they haven’t changed a lot of the team, and if you look at their starting 11, most of them are over 24, 25 years old. They’re really experienced in the league. We’re the complete opposite, in of we’re brand new basically. Everyone is starting to get to know each other. It’s a change of philosophy as well for the club.
Building is really the word. We’re building. I trust the process. We’ve been really good for a brand-new team. But, that’s not enough to get us to the playoffs yet. Go to the playoffs, then build from that. The club in a year or two will be really competitive.
Will you go to Europe in the coming international window?
A: Yeah — I have a long travel after the game against Orlando. I’m going to (to train) with the national team. Then we’re going to Switzerland to have a game, then we’re going to Norway to have another game. Then we come back to San Diego, and two days later, we’re playing Kansas City (April 12 in San Diego). So, that’s going to be really challenging.
San Diego Wave (1-0-1) at Orlando Pride (2-0)
When: 9 a.m. Saturday
TV: ESPN
