The Wave’s season is over.

San Diego’s 2025 season ended today, as the team fell 1-0 in extra time to the Portland Thorns in the NWSL quarterfinals.

After a tightly contested 90 minutes, neither side managed to find the back of the net. Both defenses stood strong, with limited chances throughout regulation. But just four minutes into extra time, Portland finally broke through. Olivia Moultrie sent a cross to the back post, where Reilyn Turner rose above her defender to head it home, giving the Thorns the decisive goal.

San Diego refused to go quietly. The Wave pushed numbers forward in search of an equalizer, generating several opportunities in the closing minutes. Defender Trinity Armstrong nearly leveled the score late, firing a close-range shot that forced a point-blank save from Thorns goalkeeper Shelby Hogan. Despite the late surge, Portland held firm to secure the 1-0 win and advance to the semifinals.

The loss ends a disappointing season for the Wave, who looked strong in the first half of the year, climbing as high as third in the NWSL table before struggling down the stretch. The lack of scoring in the final months cost them a higher playoff seed and ultimately left them short of their championship goals.

As was often the case during the back half of the season, the Wave won the possession game (62% to 38%), corner kicks taken (nine to five), and took the same number of shots as the Thorns (19), but they did not own the most important statistic: goals scored.

After the match, Wave head coach Jonas Eidevall reflected on the loss and the season as a whole.

“We’re really disappointed that this season’s journey ends here,” said Eidevall. “We’re also really grateful for all the support we have been given. It’s important we use this for a foundation for development, for growth and come up to a higher level next season.”

The Wave head into the off season with an early shot at redemption at the World Sevens Football tournament in December.

They are one of only two NWSL teams selected to play in the inaugural North American edition of World Sevens Football. The tournament will take place December 5–7, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We’ll keep you posted as details emerge.

The playoffs continue with only four teams remaining: NY/NJ Gotham FC, Portland Thorns, Orlando Pride, and the Washington Spirit.

No. 8 Gotham FC shocked the NWSL world by defeating No. 1 Kansas City Current this afternoon, 2-1.