San Diego Wave LOSES its first game since bombshell accusations that president Jill Ellis fostered an 'abusive environment' - as they are beaten 1-0 by Portland Thorns

• e-mail

The San Diego Wave lost their first game since bombshell claims that team president and former USWNT coach Jill Ellis fostered an 'abusive environment' at the NWSL franchise. 

Alex Morgan and her teammates went down 1-0 against the Portland Thorns on Friday thanks to Izzy D'Aquila's dramatic winner in the 85th minute.

It compounded a difficult week for the Wave after Ellis was accused by a former team videographer of 'fostering an environment where abusive behaviors among her subordinates are allowed to flourish'.

Brittany Alvarado, who said she is a former video and creative manger for the team, called on the NWSL to remove team president Ellis from her position.

She cited a poor work environment that was discriminatory and took a toll on her mental health in a lengthy post on the social platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

Alex Morgan and her teammates went down 1-0 against the Portland Thorns on Friday night

Wave forward Maria Sanchez dribbles away from Reyna Reyes at Providence Park

Read More

San Diego Wave president and ex-USWNT coach Jill Ellis faces hostile workplace claims in NWSL

The Wave responded with a statement that said the team 'has been made aware of a recent social media post by a former employee that contains inaccurate and defamatory statements about the club.'

The Wave went on to say they were looking into possible legal avenues available to address the matter.

'Jill Ellis has no place in this game, and she has been excused for far too long,' Alvarado wrote about the English-born executive, who won two World Cups with Team USA during her celebrated career on the sidelines.

Alvarado isn't blaming Ellis for all she says she endured, but does believe that Ellis has been the driving force behind the team's rampant turnover since its inaugural 2021 season.

'Since the team's inception, over 30 employees have been fired or quit, with nearly 75 per cent of them being women, underscoring the deep issues within the club,' Alvarado claimed in her post on X.

'Sadly, many of these employees are hesitant to speak publicly about their experiences, reflecting the widespread fear surrounding these issues.'

Alvarado did share one purported example, albeit not one that directly involved Ellis.

Brittany Alvarado (pictured) made her announcement on social media Wednesday

Ellis won two World Cups with the US National Team before moving to the NWSL's Wave 

Instead Alvarado shared a terse email, which she claims was sent to her by a member of the team's senior leadership in the wake of her recent resignation.

'You are the most pathetic person I've ever met,' read the email marked 6-17. 'You must have no sense of work ethics (sic) or integrity. We are estatic (sic) you are no longer with the club.'

The team insists this email was fabricated.

'Not only does the post contain a fabricated email, but the claims made therein are categorically false, including the ones directed at our President Jill Ellis,' read the statement from a club spokeswoman.

The team's captain Alex Morgan later took to social media with a statement of her own.

'I am disappointed to hear about the allegations made by multiple former Wave FC employees today,' Morgan wrote on X.

Alvarado believes Ellis has been the driving force behind the team's rampant staff turnover 

'As players, we have worked hard to build a team that is surrounded by an inclusive, positive and safe environment.

'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.

'I want to be proud of what we are building at the Wave but it is clear that there is so much work to be done.'