After helping Man Utd win promotion to the top-flight and establish themselves among the top teams in the Women's Super League, Stoney moved to San Diego ahead of its first NWSL season, in 2022, and enjoyed great success. Helping the Wave to become the first expansion side to reach the playoffs in its inaugural campaign, the former England international guided the team to the NWSL Shield in 2023 and the NWSL Challenge Cup a year later, making her sacking in the summer of 2024 hugely controversial.