Wave FC defeated the Chicago Stars 6-1 Saturday night at Snapdragon Stadium. With the win, the club not only moved up in the standings but also clinched a spot in the NWSL playoffs. Additionally, it marked the Wave’s first home victory in five months.
Prior to Saturday’s game, the Wave hadn’t secured a home win since May 25 against North Carolina. Fortunately for San Diego, the Stars entered the match with the worst record in the NWSL and struggled throughout what was the Wave FC’s last home match of the regular season.
From the kickoff, the Wave lived up to their name by relentlessly pressing the Chicago defense. San Diego forward Delphine Cascarino opened the scoring less than seven minutes into the game with a right-footed shot to the center of the goal.
In the 15th minute, the Wave extended their lead to 2-0 due to an unfortunate own goal by Stars defender Sam Staab. Attempting to deflect the ball, it bounced off her left foot and into Chicago’s net.
Just three minutes later, in the 18th minute, Brazilian midfielder Dudinha made it 3-0 with a precise right-footed shot to the bottom-right corner.
Before halftime, defender Kristen McNabb added to the tally in the 44th minute with a powerful header to the center of the net, increasing San Diego’s lead to 4-0.
“It finally feels like we’re putting the puzzle pieces together,” McNabb said during the post-match press conference.
The halftime statistics reflected the one-sided nature of the match. San Diego held 59% possession in the first 45 minutes and took nine shots compared to Chicago’s four. The Wave’s four shots on goal were twice as many as the Stars managed. San Diego also dominated passing, completing 247 total passes against Chicago’s 128.
The Wave’s offensive onslaught continued into the second half. In the 57th minute, Dudinha secured her first brace as a member of the team with a right-footed finish from the front of the goal, making it 5-0.
Despite the large deficit, Chicago fought hard. However, in the 83rd minute, the gap widened once more. During a fast break, Wave midfielder Kenza Dali fired a right-footed shot past the Stars’ goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, who appeared visibly frustrated after failing to make the save, bringing the score to 6-0.
Chicago managed to score a consolation goal later, resulting in the final score of 6-1.
With this victory, Wave FC swept the season series against Chicago. The teams last met on April 26 in Chicago, with San Diego winning 3-0.
Heading into the match, the Wave were sixth in the NWSL standings. The win elevated them to fifth place and officially secured their playoff berth with a record of 10 wins, 7 draws, 8 losses, and 37 points. Meanwhile, Chicago remains at the bottom of the table with 2 wins, 11 draws, 12 losses, and 17 points.
Although this was San Diego’s last home game of the regular season, they still have one more match before the playoffs begin. On November 2, the Wave face a significant challenge as they travel to face the league’s best team, the Kansas City Current (20-2-3, 62 points) at CPKC Stadium.
“It’s one of the most difficult places that you can go to play soccer in the world,” said Wave FC head coach Jonas Eidevall. “We’re going to have a plan to attack that game.”
### Notes
It was announced Wednesday that Wave FC is among six NWSL teams committed to participating in the 2026 Coachella Valley Invitational, a preseason exhibition tournament taking place February 15-21 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio.
Thirteen MLS teams, including San Diego FC, will also participate in the men’s tournament scheduled for February 7-8, 11, and 14.
https://timesofsandiego.com/sports/2025/10/18/wave-secures-playoff-spot-sinks-chicago-victory/
