After battling back for a 2-2 draw against the Kansas City Current, Wave FC returns to Snapdragon Stadium on Sunday looking to build on its late comeback with three points against Seattle Reign FC.
Here’s what to know before kickoff.
Trinity Byars is all smiles after scoring the equalizer. Credit: San Diego Wave FC Media
The Wave (9-2-5) enter the weekend third in the NWSL standings with 29 points, while Seattle (5-2-7) sits at No. 12 with 17. San Diego has scored 23 goals while allowing just 17 through 16 matches, ranking among the league's strongest all-around teams.
The Wave have been especially dangerous away from home, scoring 14 goals on the road, but will look to improve their home form after finding the back of the net just nine times at Snapdragon Stadium this season.
Although leading scorer Dudinha is sidelined for the season after suffering a season-ending ACL injury while on international duty with Brazil, San Diego has continued to find production throughout its lineup.
Melanie Barcenas started two consecutive games following Dudinha's injury, and on Friday, Trinity Byars stepped into the starting lineup. Byars has emerged as the team's most dangerous offensive threat with six goals in only two starts. Against Kansas City she scored twice, including a stoppage-time equalizer that secured a point for San Diego. Lia Godfrey has continued to contribute on both ends of the field, while Gia Corley has become an important play maker, helping create scoring opportunities in the attacking third.
Kimmi Ascanio playing against KC Current. Wave Media FC
Seattle heads to San Diego looking to regain momentum after losing three of its last five matches. Although the Reign sit at No. 12 in the standings with 15 goals scored and 19 conceded this season, they have remained competitive and will be looking for a road victory against one of the NWSL's top teams as they try to climb back into the playoff race.
Forward Maddie Mercado leads Seattle's attack with four goals on the season, providing much of the club's offensive production. The Reign have also scored eight goals away from home and will look to challenge a San Diego defense that has been one of the league's more reliable units.
Sunday's matchup presents an opportunity for the Wave to continue building momentum while strengthening their position near the top of the NWSL table. With the standings remaining tightly contested, every point carries added importance as the regular season moves toward its second half.
For the Wave, the key will be turning possession into goals. San Diego has consistently controlled matches throughout the season, and finishing its chances against Seattle could be the difference between another draw and three points.
Notable
On Tuesday, the team announced that defender Trinity Armstrong was placed on the NWSL season-ending injury list. Armstrong had only recently returned to the pitch and played modest minutes on July 5 and July 12. She did not play on July 20.
The Wave are one of just four teams to have played 16 games so far. Six teams have played 15, and the remaining six have played 14. With game totals this uneven, points per game is the better measuring stick. Washington and Gotham are tied atop the standings with 30 points each, or 2.0 points per game, with Washington holding the top spot on goal differential (plus-12 to Gotham's plus-9). The Wave rank No. 3 at 1.81 points per game.
Goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo earned a clean sheet in her first start for the Wave on July 4, then conceded four goals over her next two starts. Sandra Paños, who signed with the Wave on June 10, was available on the bench for the first time against Kansas City. Watch for the keeper position to change hands for the fourth time this season. Agudelo has had three starts, Didi Haracic seven, and Leah Freeman six.
July 26 MatchUp at a Glance
Who: Wave FC (9-2-5) vs. Seattle Reign FC (5-2-7)
When: Sunday, July 20 @ 2:00 p.m. PT
Where: Snapdragon Stadium
Tickets: Purchase Tickets Here
Watch: CBS Sports Network & KUSI
