Making Waves Academy Stuns Lick-Wilmerding in 2–0 Upset

In one of the more surprising results of the season, Making Waves Academy pulled off a statement upset, defeating Lick-Wilmerding 2–0 in a match that remained tightly balanced for long stretches before two late goals broke it open.

Making Waves were composed from the opening whistle, particularly in their buildup play. Emmanuel Gonzalez (#16, Senior) stood out immediately at center back, showing comfort on the ball, physical presence in duels, and the ability to break pressure with clean distribution. Lick-Wilmerding responded by looking to play direct, repeatedly targeting space out wide and behind the defense.

Lick generated the sharper early looks. Quentin Williams (#19, Senior) was a constant outlet, winning multiple 1v1 battles and stretching the Making Waves back line with his pace. One run led to a missed cross, while another saw Williams isolate his defender at the top of the box before a deflection sent the ball out for a corner. Mateo Monfiglio (#10, Junior) added a threat from midfield, testing the goalkeeper with a powerful strike from distance.

In the middle of the field, Alex Diego Hernandez (#10, Senior) dictated play for Making Waves, displaying strong technical quality and composure under pressure. Despite several promising sequences from both teams — including a foul that created a dangerous ball swung across the face of goal for Lick-Wilmerding — clear chances were limited, and the match went into halftime scoreless at 0–0.

After the break, Lick-Wilmerding increased their pressure and controlled larger stretches of possession. Mateo Monfiglio (#10, Junior) impressed in a deeper midfield role, keeping the ball under pressure and helping dictate tempo. From the back, Aubrey Winoto (#3, Freshman) delivered several quality long balls to relieve pressure and initiate attacks.

On the left flank, Kiran Richards (#6, Sophomore) was a consistent outlet, making overlapping runs and driving forward with pace. One of his through balls created a strong chance that forced Diego Martinez (#1, Senior) to come off his line aggressively and block outside the box.

Making Waves, however, remained calm in possession. Pablo Mora-González (#17, Junior) and Jesus Uriarte (#26, Junior) were effective in transition, while Juan Uriarte Maclas (#8, Freshman) showed flashes of technical quality despite being physically challenged in midfield battles. Gonzalez (#16) continued to anchor the defense, winning key duels and calmly resetting play.

The breakthrough finally came late when Alex Diego Hernandez (#10, Senior) struck a sensational long-range effort that sailed over the goalkeeper, giving Making Waves a 1–0 lead. Lick nearly responded immediately, but Martinez again showed good awareness to smother a chance at the top of the box.

As Lick-Wilmerding pushed numbers forward, space opened up. Jude Cox (#12, Senior) stood out during this stretch, holding up play, switching the point of attack, and threading a well-weighted ball into Williams (#19), though the move ultimately broke down.

Making Waves sealed the match moments later when Alexander Limon (#14, Sophomore) unleashed an emphatic strike from outside the box into the top-right corner, capping off a clinical late surge. A final quick-corner chance for Lick resulted in a missed header, and the visitors closed out the match with composure.

Final Score: Making Waves Academy 2, Lick-Wilmerding 0