SAN DIEGO - With a late-game header into the goal, the San Diego Wave FC beat the Washington Spirit under the lights at Snapdragon Stadium on Friday evening, 2-1. San Diego (7-3-0)* and Washington (5-2-3) went into Friday’s game as two of the top three teams in the National Womens Soccer League (NWSL) standings.
“We know Washington is one of the most aggressive teams in the league, so for us to be able to match them and sometimes exceed them tonight was really, really good," said Jonas Eidevall, head coach of the San Diego Wave FC. "We knew it was going to be a little more physical game and we knew that was an important component.”
The Wave gained momentum with an early goal in the sixth minute by forward Trinity Byars. Friday was Byar’s first professional start and made an immediate impact with her first NWSL goal.
“She’s a phenomenal finisher, one of the best I’ve seen in the game” Eidevall said. “When she gets opportunities, she will score a lot of goals.”
San Diego maintained the lead for most of the first half until Washington midfielder Rebeca Bernal scored a header with the assist from midfielder Leicy Santos in the 33rd minute. Bernal’s goal put the Wave and the Spirit tied at one goal apiece going into halftime.
The Wave celebrate midfielder Kimmi Ascanio’s first goal of the 2026 season. (Miguel Mejia/Miguel Mejia Photography)
Tensions ran high throughout the second half as both teams continued to play physical. Defender Mimi Van Zanten scored a goal in the 76th minute, but it was called back due to an offside call.
However, the Wave remained persistent and were able to seal the victory in the 88th minute. Midfielder Kimmi Ascanio scored a header for her first goal of the 2026 season off of a corner kick from fellow midfielder Kenza Dali. The two immediately celebrated the goal.
In their second season playing together, the two midfielders have developed a strong bond that has shown on and off the field.
“Everyone knows my preference for Kimmi as a player and as a person,” Dali said. “I think she’s an incredible talent and I’m really hard on her, [but that’s because] I see the potential.”
The victory snapped Washington’s 5-game winning streak and placed the Wave atop of the NWSL standings.
San Diego started Friday’s game strong and finished strong, but uncharacteristically struggled to maintain possession and capitalize. Washington had possession of the ball for 59% of the game and were more accurate than the Wave. They will look to clean up the possession game as San Diego looks ahead to their next matchup on Wednesday.
Next Up
The Wave will take on the Houston Dash on May 20 at Shell Energy Stadium. The game will stream on CBS Sports. San Diego will return home to Snapdragon Stadium on May 24. Purchase tickets here!
*(Wins-Losses-Draws)
Top Photo: Miguel Mejia/Miguel Mejia Photography
