Wave FC returns to Snapdragon Stadium on Friday for another important NWSL matchup, hosting Racing Louisville after a 4-2 victory over the Utah Royals. San Diego will look to carry the momentum from that performance into another home match as it continues its push up the standings.

The Wave (11W, 7L, 3D) enter the match fifth with 36 points, tied with fourth-place Utah, while Racing Louisville (7-12-2) sits 13th with 23 points. Despite the gap in the standings, Louisville enters Friday in strong form, going 4-1-0 over its last five matches. The Wave are 3-2-0 over their last five, with a record of L-W-L-D-W, and are 5-1-5 at home this season.

Louisville's recent run makes its position in the standings less representative of its current form. The club has scored 13 goals during its last five matches and has won four straight before its most recent loss to Chicago.

Emma Sears has been one of Louisville's leading attacking players, scoring seven goals and adding five assists this season. Taylor Flint has also contributed four goals from the defensive midfield position and has been a valuable presence for Louisville this season, giving the team another option in the final third.

Louisville's high-energy approach and pressing style could present a particular challenge for San Diego. The Wave have traditionally relied heavily on possession and building through the midfield, meaning Louisville's pressure could make it difficult for San Diego to establish its preferred rhythm and play through the press.

San Diego will look to its attackers to maintain the momentum from last week's win. Trinity Byars scored twice and added two assists against Utah, while Melanie Barcenas also found the back of the net. Ludmila ended her scoring drought with her second goal of the season, and the Wave will look for continued production from the forward.

San Diego has consistently created scoring opportunities this season but has struggled at times to convert them, making finishing an important factor against a Louisville side that will look to disrupt the Wave's buildup.

The Wave will need to continue getting production from those attacking players as they navigate a roster still affected by injuries. San Diego has already had to rely on its depth throughout the season, with Laila Harbert making her first start for the club against Utah.

Historically, San Diego has held the advantage in the matchup, with a 3-2-3 all-time record against Racing Louisville. However, Louisville won the most recent meeting between the clubs in August 2025, giving the Wave another reason to approach Friday's match with urgency.

Friday's matchup will test whether San Diego can maintain its attacking momentum while handling Louisville's pressure. With the Wave sitting just three points from third place, another home win would give San Diego an opportunity to keep pace near the top of the standings.