Wave FC returns to Snapdragon Stadium on Friday for a crucial matchup against the Utah Royals, with San Diego looking to end its recent struggles at home and gain ground in the tightly contested NWSL standings.

The Royals enter the match in third place with 36 points, while the Wave sit fifth with 33. A win would give San Diego a valuable three points and help close the gap on the teams above them as the regular season continues.

Both teams enter Friday looking to build some consistency. Utah has gone 3-2-0 over its last five matches, in order W-L-W-L-W, while San Diego is 1-2-2 over its last five, going D-L-W-L-D. The Wave are also still searching for their first home win since July 4.

San Diego continues to lead the NWSL with 119 shots on target, showing the team's ability to create opportunities even as finishing has remained an issue. The Wave will need to turn those chances into goals against a Utah team that has two dangerous six-goal scorers.

Utah enters the match leading the league in goals scored (35) with two key attacking threats in Cloé Lacasse and Mina Tanaka, who have each scored six goals this season. The pair also claim 12 assists (Lacasse alone has 8), and remarkably, 12 players have scored at least once this season. Their ability to create chances and finish in the final third will present another challenge for a San Diego defense that will need to remain organized throughout the match.

San Diego has created chances throughout the season but has struggled to consistently turn those opportunities into goals, making Friday's matchup an important opportunity to change its recent home form.

The Wave will also have to navigate several injury concerns heading into Friday's matchup. With Trinity Armstrong and Dudinha unavailable and the status of Kenza Dali and Kimmi Ascanio uncertain, San Diego will need its available players to step up against a Utah team sitting two spots higher in the standings.

Despite San Diego's recent struggles at home, the Wave have historically dominated this matchup. San Diego holds a perfect 5-0-0 record against Utah, giving the club plenty of success to build on heading into Friday's meeting.

The teams last met in March, when San Diego earned a 2-1 victory over the Royals. Utah will look to change that result this time around, while the Wave will attempt to extend their perfect record against the club.

With just three points separating the teams, Friday's match could have a significant impact on the standings. San Diego will look to turn the tide at home with a win at Snapdragon and keep its unbeaten record against Utah intact.

Website Photo: Melanie Barcenas. Miguel Mejia/Miguel Mejia Photography

For more Wave FC news, check out our conversation with Wave FC player and San Diego native Nya Harrison.