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SAN DIEGO (AP) — San Diego Wave President Jill Ellis called allegations of a poor work environment made by a former employee of the National Women’s Soccer League team both “false” and “personally damaging.”

Ellis released a statement to The Associated Press on Thursday in response to a social media post by Brittany Alvarado, a former video and creative manager for the team. Alvarado called on the NWSL to remove Ellis, the former U.S. national coach.

Alvarado alleged the workplace was discriminatory and said it took a toll on her mental health in a lengthy post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Ellis said mental health concerns are a priority for the club and it has support measures, including an employee assistance program. She added that when allegations of mistreatment have occurred, the team has investigated.

“In addition, when appropriate, independent third parties have assisted us in evaluating our workplace. At no time have those evaluations uncovered any wrongdoing by the club,” Ellis said.

Ellis, who coached the U.S. team to World Cup titles in both 2015 and 2019, added that the Wave is committed to building a strong and unified club.

“What we do is all about fostering a culture of respect, inclusivity, and excellence. The false accusations in (Wednesday’s) post are not only personally damaging but also take away from the incredible work and progress we’ve achieved together as a team,” Ellis said in the statement.

The Wave called Alvarado’s allegations inaccurate and defamatory. The team said it was looking into possible legal avenues available to address the matter.

Wave forward Alex Morgan, who played for Ellis on both of the World Cup-winning teams, issued a statement on social media in which she said she was disappointed by the allegations.

“As players, we have worked hard to build a team that is surrounded by an inclusive, positive and safe environment,” Morgan said. “But it’s important to me that we are creating that environment for both players AND staff throughout the entire organization. Equity in the workplace is something I have and will continue to advocate for.”

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

The San Diego Wave will look to turn its lackluster season around as it travels to Portland on Friday at Providence Park. After winning the Supporters’ Shield last year with the best regular season record, San Diego has not tasted victory in its last eight matches and is coming off a 3-0 home defeat to the Chicago Red Stars on June 28.

That was the first game since Casey Stoney was dismissed as head coach a few days prior with Paul Buckle being named as interim immediately after. The Wave will be facing a team in Portland that is winless over its last three games but sits in fifth place in the NWSL standings.

The Thorns and the Wave played each other twice during the 2023 regular season with San Diego coming out victorious 2-0 in the second meeting after the sides settled for a 1-1 draw in the first. San Diego has nine games left this as it tries to get back into playoff contention and reach, at least, the eight-seed that is held by Bay FC, which would guarantee a third-straight postseason birth.

SAN DIEGO STRIKERS

The San Diego Strikers earned another trip to the WPSL playoffs and will play FC Premier Women on Saturday at San Diego Mesa College. The team, led by head coach Ray Taila, earned its spot after finishing in second place in the Plymouth Division with four wins, three losses, and one draw. The Strikers outscored opponents 18-9 over its eight regular-season matches led by the efforts of forward and leading scorer Kiera Bocchino.

“This team is way stronger than last year,” she said. “Last season we had trouble putting goals away and finishing. We made some connections and got more growth. That helps build  team spirit and team comradery.”

This will be the first meeting between the Strikers and FC Premier Women, which finished with four wins, one loss, and three draws. The Strikers will try to avenge and leave behind the defeat at the hands of Miss Kick FC at Mission Bay High School, which brought to an end its 2023 season in controversial fashion.

Photo by David Frerker