Wave FC returns to Snapdragon Stadium Saturday for a 3:30 p.m. matchup against the North Carolina Courage in a meeting between two teams separated only by goal differential in the NWSL standings. San Diego enters the match in fifth place with 39 points, while North Carolina sits third with the same total.

Both teams enter with identical 12W-8L-3D records, but their recent form has been different. North Carolina has gone L-W-W-L-W over its last five matches, while San Diego is L-D-W-W-L. The Wave have found more success at home during that stretch, earning both of their recent wins at Snapdragon Stadium.

San Diego has also had the edge in the all-time series, with three wins, while North Carolina has won twice and the teams have drawn three times.

San Diego will also have to adjust to the absence of Mimi Van Zanten, who will miss Saturday’s match after receiving a straight red card in the Wave’s 1-0 loss to Seattle last weekend. Van Zanten was sent off in the 13th minute, forcing San Diego to play with 10 players for nearly the entire match. Brooklyn Courtnall, a defender, replaced Melanie Barcenas following the red card as San Diego made a more defensive adjustment. 

The matchup will be a major test for a San Diego defense facing the NWSL’s highest-scoring team. North Carolina has scored 46 goals this season, led by Ashley Sanchez and Evelyn Ijeh. Sanchez has scored 18 goals and recently became the highest-scoring American player in a single NWSL season, while Ijeh has added 11 goals. Sanchez has also been one of the league’s most productive players recently, scoring five goals and recording two assists in August.

A familiar face is in goal for the Courage. Kailen Sheridan, the former Wave keeper is tied for third in shutouts (7) and may have extra motivation against her old squad.

San Diego will need to limit the Courage attacking opportunities while continuing to create chances of their own. The Wave have shown they can produce offensively at home, and Trinity Byars and Barcenas will be key players to watch as San Diego looks to continue its home success.

Byars enters Saturday after a stretch of strong performances, including back-to-back two-goal games before the Seattle match. Against the Reign, however, she struggled to find many opportunities while San Diego played down a player for most of the match. With the Wave back at Snapdragon Stadium and looking to create more attacking opportunities, Byars could have more chances to make an impact.

Barcenas will also be looking to continue her recent contributions at home. With Van Zanten unavailable and the Wave potentially needing to adjust their lineup, Barcenas could take on an important role as San Diego looks to balance its defensive responsibilities with its attacking threat.

The Wave will look to avoid falling behind and having to chase the game against one of the league’s most dangerous attacks.

With both teams sitting on 39 points, Saturday’s matchup could have significant implications for the crowded top of the NWSL table. Three points would give San Diego an opportunity to move up the standings while continuing to build on its success at Snapdragon Stadium.