The San Diego Wave finally put an end to a frustrating stretch of poor results, securing a crucial 3-2 comeback victory over the Utah Royals on Saturday night at America First Field. The win not only stopped a seven match winless slide but also helped solidify their position in the NWSL playoff race with just two regular season games left.
Heading into the match, San Diego had taken just one win from their previous five outings and hadn’t claimed all three points since a 2-1 triumph over Bay FC on August 16. With the Wave clinging to the eighth and final playoff spot, the stakes were high. Saturday night felt like a must-win for the Wave.
Utah struck first just nine minutes into the match, and it looked like San Diego’s struggles would continue. Royals midfielder Janni Thomsen cut inside and launched a long range shot that skipped past diving goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan, giving the home team the early lead.
But the Wave responded. In the 29th minute, Brazilian forward Dudinha led a swift counterattack and fired a shot into the back of the net to level the score.
Just before halftime, San Diego took the lead thanks to an own goal by Utah defender Kate Del Fava. A corner kick ricocheted off Del Fava and into the net, giving the visitors a 2-1 advantage at the break.
Utah came out strong in the second half, equalizing in the 54th minute through forward Mina Tanaka, who delivered a tough finish into the bottom corner to make it 2-2.
But the Wave weren’t finished. In the 72nd minute midfielder Kenza Dali delivered what appeared to be a cross from the right wing. The ball floated over the head of Royals goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn, who misjudged it and it dropped into the back of the net. Another fortunate goal for San Diego that would ultimately seal the 3-2 win.
Luck was on the Wave’s side on Saturday, something they haven’t had much of lately. But it wasn’t all luck that propelled San Diego to victory.
Head coach Jonas Eidevall praised his team’s resilience after the match.
“I think it shows a lot of resilience and the hard work in the group that even if we go one-nil down, that we make good decisions, work really hard. We find our way into the game again.”
When asked whether the win marked a turning point for the club, Eidevall stayed grounded.
“Nothing has changed,” he said. “We’re happy with today, but now we need to recharge, refocus and be ready for Chicago.”
The victory propelled the Wave to sixth place in the NWSL standings, increasing their playoff cushion to five points. Their season record now stands at 9-8-7 with 34 points overall.
With only two teams, Kansas City Current and Washington Spirit, having clinched playoff berths, the final two weeks of the season will determine the rest of the postseason picture. For the Wave the next test comes at home on Saturday, October 18 when they host the last-place Chicago Stars at Snapdragon Stadium in a 7 p.m. kickoff.