Comic-Con International’s first big day Friday, July 26, will feature the cast of Amazon Prime’s wildly popular superhero spoof, “The Boys,” and a packed day in Hall H.
Likely to be the most sought-after event of the day, “The Boys” cast and executive producer will take over Hall H shortly after its season finale. Other big franchises showing up will be “Doctor Who,” “The Walking Dead,” which has two panels, and “The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power.”
The last time Amazon Prime’s Lord of the Rings show took over Hall H, it brought an orchestra and “The Late Show” host Stephen Colbert as moderator.
Another big draw is likely to be the latest “Alien” film from 20th Century Fox. The seventh film in the science fiction franchise, “Alien: Romulus,” will bring to Hall H some of Hollywood’s youngest and biggest up-and-coming stars: Isabela Merced, Cailee Spaeny and Archie Renaux.
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Here are some highlights, with official descriptions courtesy of the folks at Comic-Con. All events are at the San Diego Convention Center unless otherwise noted.
For a complete schedule, go here.
‘DC Heroes United’
Genvid Entertainment will give an exclusive reveal of DC Heroes United with Jacob Navok (chief executive officer), including a never-before-shown scene, and present an update on “Borderlands: EchoVision Live”. “DC Heroes United” is a new interactive streaming series where the fans will determine how Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman work together and how they handle the challenges they face leading up to the formation of this earth’s Justice League. The panel will also feature Randy Ma (interactive creative director), Stephan Bugaj (chief creative officer), and Don Thacker (cinematics director), moderated by Nika Nour (head of partnerships, Genvid). Room 6DE, 10-11 a.m.
‘The Boys’
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Showrunner and executive producer Eric Kripke joins the series’ stars for a postseason finale celebration. Hear from the cast and creator about the head-exploding, jaw-dropping fourth season, along with behind-the-scenes secrets, favorite moments, and thrilling surprises. Based on the New York Times bestselling comic by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, The Boys is a fun and irreverent take on what happens when superheroes who are as popular as celebrities abuse their superpowers rather than use them for good. It’s the powerless against the super-powerful as The Boys embark on a heroic quest to expose the truth about The Seven. Hall H, 10-11 a.m.
TMNT
It’s the 40th anniversary of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and IDW is celebrating in a big way. Join franchise co-creator Kevin Eastman along with Jason Aaron, Joëlle Jones, Tom Waltz, Sarah Myer, and Fero Pe for a presentation that will spill the secrets of IDW’s ambitious plans for the Heroes in a Half Shell. Moderated by ComicBook’s Chris Killian. Room 25ABC, 10-11 a.m.
Eisner Hall of Fame
Celebrate the 2024 Eisner Awards Hall of Fame inductees at this special ceremony! Trophies will be given out to 17 individuals selected by the Eisner Hall of Fame judges, along with 4 recipients selected by voters. Among those who will be on hand to accept their awards are Kim Deitch, Gary Groth, Don McGregor, Bryan Talbot, and Lynn Varley. Presentation by Eisner Awards HoF judges Karen Green and Alonso Nuñez. Room 29CD, 10-11:30 a.m.
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McFarlane Toys
Get an exclusive first look at the latest and greatest toys and collectibles from McFarlane Toys and Todd McFarlane himself! Explore exciting brands like DC Multiverse, Marvel, Bleach, Spawn, and so much more. Join the McFarlane Toys team, along with other panelists, who will provide an in-depth look at these highly anticipated products. Plus, there will be some thrilling surprises and giveaways. Room 6A, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Star Wars Collectibles
Lucasfilm’s Brian Merten invites you to come by and hear what’s happening in the galaxy of Star Wars high-end collectibles. You’ll get a look at some awesome items that will become available soon, as well as learn what drives the people who strive to make the items that provide a connection to the stories, characters, and artifacts that we all love. Room 7AB, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’
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Return to Middle-earth with the series’ showrunners and cast as they give an inside look into the highly anticipated second season, premiering on August 29 on Prime Video. Expect thrilling surprises and unique insight. Hall H, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
‘Snowpiercer’
Fans will experience an exclusive advanced screening of an all-new episode of Snowpiercer (Season 4, Episode 2 “The Sting of Survival”) before it debuts on Sunday, July 28 on AMC and AMC+. Afterward, stars Daveed Diggs, Mickey Sumner, and Mike O’Malley will join executive producers Paul Zbyszewski and Christoph Schrewe to tease the series’ fourth and final season with a discussion and fan Q&A moderated by TV Guide Magazine’s Damian Holbrook. Ballroom 20, 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
‘Rick and Morty: The Anime’
Go further into the multiverse of Rick and Morty with the new series “Rick and Morty: The Anime” as it lands at Comic-Con. Writer/director Takashi Sano, producers Joseph Chou and Takenari Maeda, and Adult Swim’s head of action and anime Jason DeMarco will share details about the intergalactic adventure and show you the inner workings of the new series on Adult Swim. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront, 12-12:45 p.m.
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‘Doctor Who’
Hop aboard the TARDIS with Doctor Who stars Ncuti Gatwa (Fifteenth Doctor) and Millie Gibson (Ruby Sunday), along with showrunner and writer Russell T Davies as they discuss the latest season and its game-changing finale episode, which aired on Disney+ and BBC iPlayer. The trio will also share behind-the-scenes stories, fan surprises, and a special sneak peek. Moderated by Josh Horowitz (host, Happy Sad Confused podcast and MTV). Hall H, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Hasbro’s Marvel Legends
Hasbro and Marvel product experts offer exciting news about Hasbro’s ever-popular Marvel Legends product line. Attendees will also get a sneak peek at upcoming items, followed by a Q&A for your burning Marvel Legends questions. Room 5AB, 12:30-1:30 pm.
Prime Video Adult Animation
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Executive producers Robert Kirkman (Invincible), Vivienne Medrano (Hazbin Hotel), and Travis Willingham (The Legend of Vox Machina) discuss adapting some of the most popular comic books, crowdfunded gems, films, and more into successful television series, offer sneak peeks into upcoming seasons, and share exclusive news from each of their respective series. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront, 1-1:45 p.m.
Image Comics Discussion
Geoff Johns (Redcoat, Rook: Exodus), Gerry Duggan (Falling in Love on the Path To Hell), Erica Schultz (Rat City), Sanford Greene (Bitter Root), and Wyatt Kennedy (Nights) have a freewheeling conversation about genre, storytelling, industry secrets, and tricks of the trade. Moderated by Jim Viscardi (Image Comics). Room 25ABC, 1-2 p.m.
‘The Walking Dead: Dead City’
The cast and executive producers discuss the upcoming second season of The Walking Dead: Dead City alongside the debut of an exclusive asset before the series returns next year on AMC and AMC+, moderated by Chris Hardwick. Confirmed panelists include Eli Jorné (showrunner and executive producer), Scott M. Gimple (The Walking Dead Universe chief content officer and executive producer), Lauren Cohan (executive producer, “Maggie”), Jeffrey Dean Morgan (executive producer, “Negan”), Gaius Charles (“Armstrong”), and Željko Ivanek (“The Croat”). Hall H, 1:45-2:45 p.m.
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Solar Opposites
Solar Opposites returns to Comic-Con ahead of a new season packed with new family values, mayhem in the Wall, and some all-new Silvercops adventures. Executive producers Mike McMahan and Josh Bycel and cast members Thomas Middleditch (Terry), Mary Mack (Jesse), and Sean Giambrone (Yumyulack) have an advance screening of a never-before-seen episode, and a discussion of the hilarious and out-of-this-world first look at the upcoming fifth season premiering August 12 on Hulu. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront, 2-2:45 p.m.
Hasbro’s Star Wars Panel
Members of the Hasbro Marketing & Design teams discuss the popular Hasbro Star Wars line, including the Black Series and The Vintage Collection. Attendees will get an in-depth look at Hasbro’s latest action figure offerings from throughout the saga. Word on the Holonet is there may also be a few surprises. Room 7AB, 2-3 p.m.
“Mortal Kombat 1”
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Ed Boon, chief creative officer at NetherRealm Studios and co-creator of Mortal Kombat, joins actors Erika Ishii (Starfield, Fallout 76) and Kaiji Tang (Jujutsu Kaisen, Detective Pikachu videogames), as well as NetherRealm team members Marty Stoltz (cinematic development director) and Joshua Slingerland (principal cinematic artist) for a discussion on the continuing story, future fighters, and new game features that will be added to Mortal Kombat 1 for its second year. Moderated by Kahlief Adams (CEO of Spawn On Me and The Spawnies). Room 6BCF, 2-3 p.m.
‘Gremlins: The Wild Batch’
After an action-packed first season filled with magic, mystery, and an adorable Gizmo, the next chapter of the hit Gremlins animated prequel series continues this fall on Max. Executive producers Tze Chun and Brendan Hay, Ming-Na Wen (voice of Fong Wing), Izaac Wang (voice of Sam), AJ LoCascio (voice of Gizmo), Gabrielle Nevaeh (voice of Elle), and others preview all the Mogwai mayhem in store for this upcoming season and unleash a few surprises. Room 6A, 2:15 p.m.-3:15 p.m.
“Like a Dragon: Yakuza”
Series lead member Ryoma Takeuchi, producers, a surprise A-list star from the cast, and a SEGA producer share an exclusive first look and delve into the creation of this series based on SEGA’s iconic second bestselling game. Room 5AB, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
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‘The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon’
The cast and executive producers discuss the upcoming second season of “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon” — The Book of Carol alongside the debut of the official trailer before it premieres on Sunday, September 29 on AMC and AMC+, moderated by Chris Hardwick. Confirmed panelists include David Zabel (showrunner and executive producer), Scott M. Gimple (The Walking Dead Universe chief content officer and executive producer), Greg Nicotero (executive producer and director), Norman Reedus (executive producer and “Daryl Dixon”), Melissa McBride (executive producer and “Carol Peletier”), and Louis Puech Scigliuzzi (“Laurent”). Hall H, 2:45-3:45 p.m.
‘The Great North’
Embark on an exhilarating journey to Lone Moose with “The Great North.” Get an exclusive look behind the scenes of this animated comedy series that follows the quirky Tobin family as they navigate life together. Get to know the creative minds behind the series, including creators and executive producers Wendy Molyneaux, Lizzie Molyneaux-Logelin, and Loren Bouchard, and the voices behind the Tobin family including Dulcé Sloan, Paul Rust, and Aparna Nancherla. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront, 3-3:45 p.m.
Collider’s Directors on Directing
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Two of the most successful action directors working in film today join Collider’s editor-in-chief for a conversation about their business and their craft. Antoine Fuqua (The Equalizer trilogy, Training Day, Olympus Has Fallen, and the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic) and Roland Emmerich (Those About to Die, Independence Day, Anonymous, White House Down) discuss their work (past, present, and future), the challenges of production, and their dueling White House invasion movies with Steven Weintraub — and that’s not all. Hall H, 4-5 p.m.
‘Star Wars: The Phantom Menace’
(1999, directed by George Lucas, starring Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, and Natalie Portman, PG) 25th Anniversary Screening: It’s Star Wars Day! Jedi Knights Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn rescue Queen Amidala, ruler of a peaceful planet invaded by dark forces. During their escape, they discover nine-year old Anakin Skywalker, a child prodigy who is unusually strong in the Force. Grand 5, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, 4-6:15 p.m.
Marvel Comics: Next Big Thing
Editor-in-chief C.B. Cebulski, VP of digital media and creative strategy Ryan Penagos (ak.a. Agent M), and other Marvel guests are here for a glimpse into the future of your favorite heroes. The world-shaking ramifications emanating from Blood Hunt will last for years to come, and fans can look no further than this panel for an exclusive glimpse at the new status quo in the wake of the bloodiest Marvel event ever. Plus, attendees who stay until the end will receive an exclusive giveaway comic book. Room 6DE, 4:15-5:15 p.m.
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First Look: ‘The Tower’ Starring Bella Thorne
Actors Bella Thorne (Divinity) and Jack Kilmer (Willow, Palo Alto), and Cam Gigandet (Twilight, The O.C.), director/writer Adam Sigal (Chariot, Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose), producer Clare Bateman-King (Chasing Chasing Amy) and other panelists come together for a talk about independent filmmaking and offer a first look at the upcoming fantasy drama “The Tower,” a tale of a mysterious mermaid trapped in a water tower and forgotten for years in a small southern town. Moderated by Legion M’s David Baxter. Room 6A, 4:45-5:45 p.m.
‘Alien: Romulus’
Director Fede Alvarez (Don’t Breathe, Evil Dead) and cast Cailee Spaeny (Civil War), David Jonsson (Agatha Christie’s Murder Is Easy), Archie Renaux (Shadow and Bone), Isabela Merced (The Last of Us), Spike Fearn (Aftersun), and Aileen Wu discuss the terrifying next installment from the iconic and beloved Alien franchise. Hall H, 5:15-6:15 p.m.
Tor Books
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Tor Publishing Group publishes some of the greatest sci-fi, fantasy, romance, and horror books around. This panel will shine a spotlight on some of the exciting upcoming titles that Tor, Tor Teen, Tordotcom Publishing, Nightfire, and their newest imprint, Bramble, have to offer. The book lovers from the Tor teams — Laura Etzkorn (senior publicist), Giselle Gonzalez (publicist), Emily Honer (marketing associate), and Rachel Taylor (senior marketing manager) — share a sneak peek at new and upcoming books. Room 29CD, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
‘Dexter: Original Sin’
Cast, creator, and executive producers discuss the upcoming prequel to the fan-favorite series Dexter. Join them as they share what to expect from the new series and unveil a few exciting surprises. Ballroom 20, 5:45-6:45 p.m.
Hasbro’s Transformers Panel
The Hasbro Transformers Toy Development team takes you behind the scenes to unveil the latest character figures from across the iconic brand. Plus: a Q&A session filled with trivia and giveaways. Room 25ABC, 6-7 p.m.
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Harley Quinn and Kite Man: Hell Yeah!
Featuring sneak peeks at unreleased “Kite Man: Hell Yeah!” scenes and a look at what’s in store for Harley Quinn’s upcoming fifth season, the cast and creators will talk about both Max Original adult animated series from DC and WB Animation. Seats will be limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Room 6BCF, 8:15-9:15 p.m.
‘Ultraman Blazar The Movie: Tokyo Kaiju Showdown’
See the official North American premiere of the live-action Blazar tokusatsu feature film! A wave of deadly Kaiju attacks Tokyo, prompting Capt. Gento and SKaRD to engage in relentless battle. As Ultraman Blazar rises to the challenge in his inimitable way, our heroes must solve the final mysteries of the Blazar series to find a key to stopping the giant monster onslaught. This is the excellent English-language simuldub. Hosted by Ultraman Connection and featuring voice actors from the film and live appearances by Ultraman and other Ultra Heroes. Room 6DE, 9:15-10:45 p.m.
Oceanside Harbor Beach. (File photo courtesy of @CityofOceanside via X)
A man apparent drowned in the waters near the Oceanside Pier Saturday morning, despite efforts by lifeguards and paramedics to revive him.
The Oceanside Fire Department’s Lifeguard Division and the Oceanside Police Department responded to a report of a missing man at about 4:30 a.m.. Officials said the man was last seen swimming in the ocean about a half-hour earlier.
Lifeguards and police immediately initiated a coordinated search effort using pier vantage points, surveillance cameras and watercraft, but the search was suspended at approximately 5:30 a.m. after no one was found, fire officials said.
“At approximately 10:50 a.m., lifeguards discovered an unresponsive adult male, matching the earlier description, in the water near Lifeguard Tower 12, at Oceanside Harbor Beach,” Division Chief Blake Dorse said in a statement. “The individual was removed from the water, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation was immediately initiated.”
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Fire and rescue personnel continued efforts to resuscitate the man on the way to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He is believed to be the one who was reported missing near the pier.
Authorities did not release the man’s name.
“The Oceanside Lifeguard Division reminds the public to exercise caution when entering the ocean, especially during early morning hours or when lifeguards are not actively monitoring the water,” Dorse said. “Always swim near an open lifeguard tower and avoid entering the water alone.”
A decade of unforgettable meals calls for a proper celebration. This April, Herb & Wood marks its 10-year anniversary, honoring ten years of shaping San Diego’s culinary identity from its stylish home in Little Italy.
Since opening in 2016, the restaurant has played a defining role in modern San Diego dining, ushering in a more ingredient-driven, chef-forward era while setting the standard for design, hospitality, and overall experience.
A Month of Throwback Favorites and Celebratory Surprises
To commemorate the milestone, Herb & Wood is celebrating all month long by bringing back a selection of OG favorites alongside the signature dishes that have remained staples over the years.
Order from the anniversary lineup and receive a scratcher ticket for a chance to win prizes like a whole Jamón Ibérico ham leg, a custom Johnny Lane painting, and a coveted “lifetime” branzino card. It’s a fun and fitting way to toast one of San Diego’s most influential restaurants.
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A Collaborative Anniversary Dinner
The celebration concludes with a special four-course anniversary dinner featuring standout chefs from the Puffer Malarkey Collective. Brian Malarkey, Aidan Owens, Tara Monsod, and Kylie Cablayan will come together for an unforgettable evening that highlights their creativity and culinary artistry.
The celebratory menu includes:
Course One
Parker House Rolls with honey herb butter
Oyster & Beef Tartare with smoked oyster mayo, caramelized onion, and beef fat snow
Course Two
Lechon Kawali with grilled strawberries, pickled mustard seeds, pickled Tokyo negi, mustard frill, and strawberry sarsa
Course Three
Woodfired Tenderloin & Charred Prawns with garlic and chili, fennel oil, celery root, and whipped tallow butter
Course Four
Funfetti Cake with blueberry jam, lemon curd, and Swiss meringue buttercream
This one-night-only collaboration is a delicious tribute to Herb & Wood’s legacy and a memorable way to toast ten remarkable years in Little Italy.
A Defining Force in San Diego Dining
Over the past decade, Herb & Wood has become a cornerstone of Little Italy’s vibrant dining scene. Known for its warm ambiance and thoughtfully crafted menu, it continues to set the tone for modern dining in San Diego.
Whether revisiting longtime favorites or discovering something new, this anniversary celebration is the perfect excuse to gather around the table and raise a glass to ten remarkable years.
See you there!
We’ll be celebrating in Little Italy with throwback bites, celebratory pours, and plenty of toasts to ten iconic years at Herb & Wood.
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📆 April 3 – 29, 2026 | Culmination celebration April 30 📍 2210 Kettner Blvd, San Diego 🎟️ Book your table here ℹ️ Click here for updates
The San Diego Wave and their fans deserved every second of the festive Friday morning that played out at Snapdragon Stadium.
Wave personnel and fans erupted in cheers as Catarina Macario, a star striker with San Diego roots who agreed to a record-setting contract, displayed a Wave No. 20 jersey at an introductory news conference.
Macario, 26, has taken injury detours, but stands indisputably as one of the world’s better goal-scorers among women.
The Torrey Pines High School and San Diego Surf alum’s local pedigree may also boost the fifth-year Wave, who through no fault of the club’s current leaders, lost considerable star power in recent years, contributing to an attendance decline.
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At a reported $8 million, the five-year deal is reportedly the most for a women’s soccer player.
Macario, smiling often, labeled her new reality “unreal,” while seated next to Wave sporting director Camille Ashton.
She was 12 when family members, seeking better opportunities, brought her from Brazil to live in San Diego after first visiting Dallas.
“I never would have imagined, I guess, that 12-year-old Cat, not knowing how to speak English, being super scared, would one day come back and get to represent her hometown team,” Macario said. “It’s very special. It’s something I’m very proud of. It will just mean that much more, once I step on the field.”
Catarina Macario, right, holds up her jersey with Camille Ashton, Sporting Director and General Manager, at a news conference held to announce
her signing with the San Diego Wave FC March 27, 2026 in San Diego, Calif. (Photo by Denis Poroy)
Ashton called it “a monumental signing.”
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Ashton, formerly Camille Levin, won a national championship with Stanford as a player. She said Macario, who came to Stanford after Ashton turned pro, fits well into the possession-driven, uptempo style the Wave have developed in a season-plus under coach Jonas Eidevall.
“Cat is a world-class player of exceptional quality, intelligence and character,” Ashton said. “Her technical ability, vision and goal-scoring instinct make her one of the most exciting talents in the game today. Just as importantly, she brings a professionalism and competitive drive that will both complement and elevate the high standards already established within our squad.”
Turmoil marked the 2024 season, the franchise’s final one under team president Jill Ellis and coach Casey Stoney.
Ellis fired Stoney, the franchise’s coach since its inception, before midseason. The team’s offense was tedious, leading to a ninth-place finish and the franchise missing the playoff cut for the first time. Ellis, amid reports of a harsh work environment, moved on.
In the first full year under Ashton and Eidevall, the Wave’s offense improved and the team made the playoffs, but was bounced in one game.
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Macario will give the Wave a better chance to rebound at the gate and on the pitch from the exodus of popular stars Alex Morgan (retirement in 2024), midfielder Jaedyn Shaw (traded at her request in January 2025) and defender Naomi Girma (who was transferred to Chelsea later that month for $1.1 million).
The Macario signing comes 16 months after Lauren Leichtman and Arthur Levine, founders of a private equity firm in Los Angeles, completed a $120-million purchase of the Wave.
The record contract “just shows how serious they are about me, and getting the club to succeed even more,” Macario said.
NWSL leaders facilitated the deal as well. Ashton said the league’s adoption four months ago of the High Impact Player Rule, allowing an exception to the salary cap, “came at an incredibly good time.”
Macario said she knows several Wave players and played with versatile fullback Perle Morroni on France’s top club team, Lyon.
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Given that Macario has scored goals at an extraordinary pace throughout her career — with the Surf, Torrey Pines, Stanford, Lyon and Chelsea — there’s only one major concern about how her Wave career will play out:
Health.
A left ACL injury suffered in the final game of her season with Lyon four years ago cost her a full season.
An irritation in her right knee cost her a spot on the U.S. team that won gold at the 2024 Olympics in France.
She was sidelined in recent months at Chelsea, creating uncertainty about her Wave debut.
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“We’re confident her best years are ahead,” Ashton said.
Macario offered no details Friday about when she’ll be ready to play for the Wave, who’ll face Chicago in a home game today.
Smiling, she suggested being in San Diego will improve her health.
“Maybe the skies were a little too gray for me,” she quipped about health setbacks in England and France. “The sunshine will help me heal a little bit quicker.”
For a franchise that was enveloped by clouds in 2024, the forecast grew much brighter Friday.
