San Diego, CA
NWSL Vibe Check: Why Maria Sanchez moved from Houston to San Diego; Marta retires from Brazil national team
The NWSL is officially five weeks into its 2024 regular season and the primary transfer window is officially closed so it’s time for another Vibe check! This is the place where you will get an insider’s view and my unfiltered takes on all things women’s soccer. There was plenty of action during the transfer window and every team is back in action for week 6, so let’s get to it! Obviously the question on everybody’s mind is what exactly happened with Maria Sanchez?
San Diego gets their player
Wave FC head coach Casey Stoney confirmed during a pre-match conference that San Diego has been in the running for Sanchez’s services for a couple of years now. The player was on their radar in their build-up as an expansion side, and again during the offseason free agency period. The club pitched themselves to the attacker in December, but she ultimately signed with Houston.
Now, just four months later, San Diego have finally acquired the player.
“It’s been a tough month for me mentally, I’m excited to be here and excited to focus on soccer,” Sanchez said in her introductory press conference. “I do wish there were different rules but at the end of the day, it’s what we have … I’m lucky that everything worked out in a way that I liked … hopefully, [the rules] can change.”
Stoney further explained that the move for Sanchez happened quickly, and the second attempt was mostly handled by club executives and the player’s management team. The head coach also said she found out just hours ahead of their Orlando Pride game on the road that the winger would be a Wave FC player.
There’s a bit of all is well that ends well here, with Sanchez also mentioning in her press conference that she “thinks” she is in good standing with former Dash coaches and players.
Houston Dash Saga
As for the Houston Dash, while plenty of teams were active during the recent transfer window, no club got more attention than the Texas side. Having the franchise player you signed to a record contract only months ago demand a trade will do that. The transfer window brought lots of attention around the club, good and poor, in terms of players moving in and out of the club.
Of course, the main focal point was Sanchez. After days of will-they-won’t-they, she was eventually dealt at the deadline to San Diego Wave FC for a record $300,000 in Intra-League Funds, $200,000 in allocation money and international slots for 2024 and 2025.
That paved the way for other moves. Houston also traded goalkeeper Emily Alvarado to Portland Thorns FC for $35,000 in allocation money, a deal that CBS Sports understands was made in part by the player’s desire for a different environment. Sources also say there were additional players interested in moving on from the club during the April window.
The Dash welcomed centerback Paige Nielsen in a trade with Angel City FC and acquired Brazilian defender Tarciane from Corinthians. It’s an immediate upgrade for the Dash who need defensive help after leading the league in goals allowed (14) and sitting in 12th place on a 14-team table.
Getting defensive reinforcements is a huge gain for the Dash, but ultimately, the transfer window added to a decade-long narrative around the club’s ability to cultivate a competitive environment that leads to success. The Texas side has been an NWSL franchise since 2014 but has never put a consecutive run of successful seasons together.
The club recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, a decade that includes an inaugural Challenge Cup title and one playoff appearance in 2022. It also featured eight different coaches across positions from full-time head coach, to acting head coach, and interim roles. Current coach Fran Alonso, who was hired this season, is the eighth person to lead the club.
Two of the former coaches, Vera Pauw and James Clarkson, have had allegations against them regarding workplace discrimination, harassment, and bullying. Pauw departed from the club in 2018, after one season, before the NWSL anti-harassment policy was put into place. Clarkson was suspended during an investigation into allegations during the 2022 season and his contract was not renewed as it expired at the end of that season.
With so much change there’s hardly been an opportunity for success, and after ten years of sub-par seasons despite star individual performances (Kealia Ohai Watt, Rachel Daly, Jane Campbell), the recent transfer window has possibly brought a turning point for the Dash. That may all depend on perspective because for others maybe it’s a breaking point.
Marta set to retire from Brazil women’s national team
It will truly be the end of an era for Brazil women’s football. After playing in her final World Cup in 2023, Marta announced on CNN Brazil that 2024 would be her final year playing on the national team.
“This is my last year, and I can already confirm it here. There is a moment when we have to understand that the time has come. I am very calm about this, because I see with great optimism the development that [Brazil national team] is having in relation to young athletes.”
Marta’s rise to provenance came before the social media era on the internet. She made her international debut in 2002 with the U20 team and was with the senior team in 2003. Fuzzy clips of her greatness can now be found all over pockets of the internet. Her impact on the game is felt across the globe, after playing on three continents, and we were reminded of if it as players continue to pay homage to her.
The 38-year-old player was on Brazil’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup roster that was eliminated during the group stage. The South Americans are already qualified for the upcoming Olympic Games in France and the tournament is set to begin on July 25. They were drawn into Group C with Spain, Japan, and Nigeria.
Brazil manager Arthur Elias has rotated the player pool a lot during his time with the national team. While Marta was not named to the Concacaf W Gold Cup roster, he did call her into camp for the SheBelieves Cup, alongside veteran teammate Cristiane. Still, cracking an Olympic roster is a challenge, with only 16 field players typically chosen along with two goalkeepers.
“If I go to the Olympics, I will enjoy every moment, because, regardless of whether I go to the Olympics or not, this is my last year with the national team. There is no longer Marta in the national team from 2025 onwards,” she said.
She is currently under contract with Orlando Pride through the 2024 season, and she has not made an official decision on retiring from club play at this time. Still, a final World Cup, and now a final year with Brazil, can only mean the legend is evaluating her future. That means that those fortunate enough to attend Orlando Pride games at home or on the road still have a chance to witness women’s soccer’s biggest icon.
PACIFIC BEACH (CNS) – Two San Diego police officers who were on foot in a Pacific Beach intersection were struck tonight by a car operated by a wrong-way driver who was believed intoxicated.
The crash occurred at 8:25 p.m. Saturday in the intersection of Thomas Avenue and Mission Boulevard, San Diego Police Department Officer Anthony Carrosco told City News Service.
The suspect’s Honda Civic was eastbound in westbound lanes when it struck the on-duty officers, Carrosco said. It was unclear what the officers were doing in the roadway.
One officer suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken by ambulance to a trauma center, he said. The other officer was not injured.
The man driving the Honda was arrested for suspicion of felony DUI, Carrosco said. The man’s name and age were not immediately released.
The intersection was closed for the investigation, he said.
Copyright 2025, City News Service, Inc.
Sez Me …
We should have known better. I’m an idiot for not guessing that making sense out of the College Football Playoffs would be about as pleasurable as getting a colonoscopy with a rusted rake left out in the snow.
As far back as I can remember — and those of us over 50 know this Unsocial Media’s Generation’s memory goes back a week — I’ve been shouting from the rooftops that we must have a college football playoff.
(Although I will admit to not spending much time on rooftops lately, now that TV antennas have gone the way of the carburetor.)
A four-team tournament was a good start, but obviously not large enough. When it went to 12, it appeared to be the ideal number. Those who bitched over not making the final four now were going to get a chance to prove themselves on the field of play.
The big deal today is Notre Dame being left out of the top 12, with James Madison and Tulane getting in because the system allows conference champions. Notre Dame is independent, thus no conference — in football only.
This is a real shame.
As you know, I’m no fan of the Irish. Up to this minute, they’ve been privileged beyond belief. Both ND and Miami finished with 10-2 records, but the Irish lost to the Hurricanes in the opener, and by the time the selection committee made its final list, it took head-to-head into account. Which is the way it should be, when both teams finish with the same records.
Pouting Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua, whose school has chosen not to appear in a menial (for them) bowl game, says few schools ever have had a more successful run than ND.
The programs the Irish beat in that 10-game span had an overall record of 55-65. Historic.
Despite all that, ND was one of the few teams that seemed capable of winning the national title. It certainly belonged in over Alabama, but the SEC has special powers.
The Irish will be in it soon enough. I suspect the tournament will balloon to 16 teams. The problem now is that with NIL and rampant portal transferring, we have parity as we’ve never had it before. And that’s not a good thing. It will be much harder for the James Madisons of the world to make it.
But this isn’t basketball. It doesn’t deserve to be in.
The Dukes lost 28-14 to Louisville, their only power conference opponent (and not a good one). And they’re a three-touchdown underdog to Oregon in the tournament. Notre Dame and Oregon would be close.
But that’s just too damn bad. …
Indiana’s Curt Cignetti is the most dour head football coach at any level I’ve seen. You can sit this guy down in front of “Blazing Saddles” and he’s watching “Camille.” …
Curt isn’t winning the national title, but he’s done a helluva job at Bob Knight’s school. Come to think of it, he’s Bob without the chair. …
The Eagles’ Nick Sirianni, who is leaning at the tape as the worst head coach to win a Super Bowl, worked all week with the Philly offense. Jalen Hurts had a 31.2 passer rating vs. the NFL Team That Used To Be Here on Monday night. Smokey Gaines, where are you? That’s 31.2 more than a dead man. …
Daiyan Henley tackling Tony Jefferson after his overtime pick vs. the Eagles was wise. But because it was OT, even if Jefferson had fumbled it away and Philly recovered, the game would have been over. No extra possessions allowed in OT. …
Philip Rivers, 44, who last played football in 2020, should stay as far away from the NFL as humanly possible, perhaps have another child. Alas, he can’t help himself. …
Philip has been signed by the Colts, moving his Hall of Fame eligibility up five more years — which could mean a few more kids. …
But he’s going to play. Probably Sunday. You know that. …
In fact, I’m certain Philip eventually will become the first great-grandfather to play in The League. …
Philip has to be in better shape than Justin Herbert, no? …
Jim Harbaugh is right. Herbert is a superhero. …
Patrick Mahomes is a great quarterback. But he is a lousy quarterback under pressure. Always has been. Except there’s more pressure now. Still, if the Judases give him time to throw Sunday, adios J’s. …
With that offensive line protecting Herbert the way Sarajevo cops guarded Archduke Franz Ferdinand, it remains a wonder the Judases can win a game. But it’s December, when defense matters. …
Told you. Joe Burrow is Andrew Luck waiting to happen. …
The only games the NFL should play on Christmas Day are the ones the athletes and coaches bought for the kids to open. …
Todd Bowles, we know you can cuss. Try coaching better before driving the bus over your players. …
Bill Johnston, for 39 years publicist for the NFL Team That Used To Be Here, and serving for the last nine with the Padres, is retiring. He learned from the best, Rick Smith, a bulldog, and Bill had that attitude as he battled relentlessly beside wife Ramona through her two-decade battle with Huntington’s Disease. One of the finest men I’ve known. …
Sherrone Moore has been fired as Michigan’s football coach because of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. Sherrone then lost it and got thrown in stir for stalking and home invasion. Lane Kiffin still has time to change his mind and go to Ann Arbor. …
The Michigan job is near the top. Great history. Unlimited resources. …
USC’s Makai Lemon was the best receiver I saw all year. So he won the Biletnikoff Award. Amazing. Others agreed with me. …
The Padres have signed reliever Daison Acosta. Now there’s one with some teeth. …
The Padres and Diamondbacks will meet in Mexico City April 25 and 26? Why? Plenty of Mexican food here, and Richardson’s in Phoenix is the best Mexican in America. OK, international games are stupid. …
Now in his second year in the Fox booth, Tom Brady is getting better as he tries to earn all of that 10-year, $375 million salary. It’s what happens when Bill Belichick tells him what to say. …
Happens every week. During Steelers-Ravens, the officials screwed the Ravens into Fort McHenry. …
Officials finally got something right. They called 19 accepted penalties on the pathetic Falcons Thursday night vs. the Bucs. Atlanta still won. …
Hey, Bicycle Mayor and His Ham & Eggers: Have you taken a ride south on Kettner toward the I-5 South onramp, featuring the Rick Schloss bump? Hope you have four-wheel drive. What a disgrace. Welcome to San Diego, rental car users. …
Jeff Kent was a good baseball player. I never considered him a Hall of Famer. Still don’t. …
Army-Navy. Fastest game. As though Randy Jones were pitching. …
I was at the 1990 World Cup in Italy, which, I believe, makes me eligible for the FIFA Peace Prize. …
How can whistles be that clean?
San Diego, CA
San Diego State Edge Plans to Enter Transfer Portal After Rob Aurich Takes Nebraska Job
Nebraska’s defensive line overhaul under new defensive coordinator Rob Aurich is already appearing to create potential landing spots for veteran defenders across the country.
Less than a week after news broke that Aurich would be Nebraska’s next defensive coordinator, San Diego State junior and former three-star edge August Salvati announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal when it opens in January.
While it instantly creates a potential connection between the soon-to-be senior and his former coach, Salvati becomes a name to watch for a Nebraska program that is believed to be taking an aggressive approach to shoring up both lines of scrimmage over the offseason.
For the veteran defender, the move comes after his most productive collegiate season to date. With that in mind, here’s everything you need to know about the Clearwater, FL native
In 2025, Salvati totaled six tackles, 3.5 sacks, and one interception during the regular season while helping Aurich boast the nation’s No. 7 total defense for the year. His snap count was modest, but the production still stands, as Salvati’s sack total would instantly become a team-high on Nebraska’s squad during the same timeframe.
To put in the context the stark contrast between the Husker’s and Aztec’s ability to affect the passer, Salvati’s 3.5 sacks raked fifth highest on his team this fall. Three other San Diego State defenders totaled more than 6.5 sacks alone.
With that in mind, Salvati’s role under Aurich in the Golden State was situational, and he appears to be looking to parlay his success this year into a more impactful one in 2026. For a Nebraska program that needs all the help they can get, the veteran defender likely becomes attractive to Matt Rhule’s staff.
Salvati’s career mirrors that of many players in the modern era of college football. Out of high school, the 6-foot-3, 245-pound defender took his talents to Kilgore College in Texas. There, his first season of collegiate ball became a resounding success. Salvati totaled 29 tackles, 7.0 sacks, and a fumble recovery on his way to earning SWJCFC honors.
He then transferred to Florida Atlantic in 2024. In his lone season in Boca Raton, Salvati appeared in one game without recording any stats. After the season, that is where his timeline connects him to Aurich. Entering the transfer portal around this time last year, the, at the time, junior moved across the country to join Aurich’s Aztec squad, and the rest is history.
Under Aurich, San Diego State took a tremendous jump. In a season that saw the Aztecs go 9-3, Aurich oversaw a defense that allowed just 266.7 yards per game while holding opponents to 12.6 points on average.
His group slashed its yardage allowed by more than 154 yards per game en route to shutting out three different opponents on the year. The Aztecs also excelled in the area that Nebraska’s defense struggled in this fall. The Huskers totaled 19 sacks in 12 regular-season games, compared to the Aztecs’ 32. San Diego State also recorded the best red zone defense in all of college football, whereas Nebraska was slotted second-to-last.
On paper, the hire appears to be one in which Rhule struck gold. Every stop that Aurich has been, his teams have improved, and players have developed into all-conference level athletes. That’s yet another area the Huskers have struggled at in recent years. But from Aurich’s addition and impending announcements regarding Nebraska’s defensive line coaching position, the Huskers seem to be attempting to turn the page in that regard.
Whether Salvati does indeed end up in Lincoln next fall, or is just another name potentially linked to the Huskers’ program, Nebraska’s defense seems to be in good hands moving forward. Aurich has repeatedly proved himself to be resourceful and now has the resources needed to make an even bigger jump. Believe it or not, the Huskers are significantly more aligned in the NIL and revenue-sharing era of college football than any of their new defensive coordinator’s previous stops.
While that doesn’t mean the Huskers now have an unlimited budget, it does mean Aurich will not be limited while making additions over the coming months. He’s shown he can turn role players into NFL Draft picks, and now he’ll be asked to do the same at Nebraska.
For now, Aurich gets himself adjusted to Lincoln, but before you know it, he’ll be adding his first wave of reinforcements to his squad. The transfer portal opening date is just under three weeks away; expect more news to be had as soon as it hits.
More From Nebraska On SI
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