Fresh off a 2-0 loss to Seattle Reign FC, Wave FC travel to Audi Field on Sunday for one of its biggest matches of the season. Washington Spirit will host San Diego in a showdown between two of the National Women's Soccer League's top clubs, with valuable points on the line in the race for the NWSL Shield.
The Spirit (10W-3L-3D) enter the weekend at the top of the NWSL standings with 33 points, while the Wave (9W-6L-2D) sit fourth with 29. With just four points separating the two clubs, Sunday's result could have a significant impact on the race near the top of the table.
Washington arrives in strong form, winning four of its last five matches. The Spirit have been one of the league's most balanced teams this season, leading the NWSL in fewest goals conceded with 12 (tied with Gotham FC) while ranking third in the league with 25 goals scored through 16 matches.
Leading the Spirit's offense is forward Trinity Rodman, whose seven goals rank among the league leaders. Midfielder Leicy Santos has also been a key contributor with five goals, giving Washington another consistent scoring threat in the final third. Together, the duo has helped power one of the NWSL's most productive attacks.
San Diego will look to respond after falling to Seattle last weekend. Although the Wave were held scoreless, they generated 22 shots against the Reign, the most by any team in a single NWSL match this season, highlighting their ability to create chances even in defeat.
Mimi Van Zanten dribbles down field. Miguel Mejia/Miguel Mejia Photography
With Dudinha still sidelined, Melanie Barcenas (3 goals) has stepped into a larger attacking role, while Trinity Byars (6 goals) has become one of San Diego's most consistent offensive threats in recent weeks. Eidevall adjusted his lineup against Seattle, giving both Barcenas and Byars starts while Gabi Portilho was available off the bench.
Lia Godfrey continues to contribute in both scoring and playmaking, while Gia Corley has helped drive the attack with her creativity in midfield. Veteran midfielder Kenza Dali, who had started each of the Wave's first 16 matches this season, did not play against the Reign, leaving questions about when she will return to the lineup.
San Diego also recently signed 19-year-old midfielder Laila Harbert, adding another young talent to an already promising roster. While it remains to be seen when Harbert will make her debut, the signing reflects the club's continued investment in its future.
Sunday could also provide another opportunity for forward Adriana Leon, who made her season debut against Seattle after entering in the 68th minute to a loud ovation from the Snapdragon Stadium crowd.
The Wave and Spirit have developed a competitive rivalry over the past several seasons. Washington holds a slight edge in the all-time regular-season series, with three wins to the Wave’s two, but many of the meetings have been tightly contested, with four ending in draws. The Wave won the most recent meeting between the clubs, 2-1, on May 15. Trinity Byars and Kimmi Ascanio each scored in the victory, which may give San Diego some much-needed confidence heading into Sunday's rematch.
For San Diego, the challenge will be slowing Washington's dynamic attack while converting its chances into goals. The Wave have often controlled possession this season, but they’ll need to make those opportunities count against the league leaders.
Who: Wave FC @ Washington Spirit
When: Sunday, August 2 @ 1:00 p.m. PT
Where: Audi Field in Washington, D.C.
Watch: CBS Sports Network & Fox 5/KUSI
