Can Wave FC Bounce Back Against the Current?

After suffering a 2-0 loss to rival Angel City FC, Wave FC won't have much time to dwell on the defeat. San Diego returns to action this week against another top National Women's Soccer League opponent when the Wave travels to Kansas City to take on the Current.

Kansas City has proven to be one of the toughest opponents for San Diego in recent seasons. The Current lead the all-time regular-season series 6-1-1, with the Wave's lone victory coming in May, 2023 in a 2-0 win. San Diego will look to build on that result and add another victory to the series history when the teams meet this week.

Here’s a closer look.

The Wave (9-1-5) remains at the top of the NWSL standings despite Saturday's loss. San Diego has been one of the league's most consistent teams under head coach Jonas Eidevall, controlling possession in most matches while relying on a balanced attack and one of the league's strongest defenses.

Even in the loss to Angel City, the Wave finished with 63% possession, 18 shots, and 10 corner kicks but couldn't find the back of the net. San Diego will look to turn those scoring opportunities into goals against Kansas City.

Offensively, Melanie Barcenas (3 goals, 0 assists) has stepped into a larger role following the season-ending ACL injury to leading scorer Dudinha (5 goals, 4 assists). Trinity Byars (4 goals, 0 assists) has also provided a boost, scoring in three of the Wave's last five matches while becoming one of the league's most effective substitutes. Lia Godfrey (4 goals, 4 assists) continues to contribute in both scoring and playmaking.

Goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo is coming off of a strong start to her NWSL career. The 19-year-old earned a clean sheet in her debut against Gotham FC before making her second career start against Angel City.

Kansas City (8-0-6) enters the match in sixth place in the NWSL standings but remains one of the league's top contenders. The Current have scored 21 goals this season, tied with San Diego for the third-most goals in the league, and feature one of the NWSL's most dangerous attacking groups. Their offense will provide another difficult test for the Wave's defense.

The Current are led offensively by Temwa Chawinga (8 goals, 2 assists), one of the league's most dynamic forwards, along with Michelle Cooper (4 goals, 3 assists). Kansas City's pace in transition and clinical finishing have helped make it one of the highest-scoring teams in the NWSL, presenting another difficult test for San Diego's defense.

Like the Wave, Kansas City has championship aspirations, making Thursday's matchup an important one in the race for the NWSL Shield. With both clubs among the league's top contenders, every point carries added significance as the regular season enters its second half.

If San Diego hopes to leave Kansas City with three points, turning possession into goals will be the key. The Wave has consistently controlled matches statistically throughout the season, but capitalizing on scoring chances will be essential against one of the league's top teams.