San Diego’s professional women’s soccer franchise – the San Diego Wave FC — is taking the month of July off from regular season matches to observe FIFA’s international window.
The Wave (7-3-3, 24 points) is entering the break with some genuine momentum after climbing the National Women’s Soccer League standings to third place following a 6-1-2 run (six wins, one loss, two ties) over the team’s last nine matches.
The Wave defeated the host Houston Dash, 3-2, in a June 13 road game and followed that with a scoreless draw against the Washington Spirit (7-4-2, 23 points) Sunday at Snapdragon Stadium.
San Diego received goals from Kenza Dali, Adriana Leon and Maria Sanchez to collect its fourth consecutive road victory. The Wave built a 3-0 lead in the game over the Dash (3-7-2, 11 points).
The West Coast visitors recorded an 18-11 edge in shots with a 10-3 margin in shots on frame.
Leon, making her 100th NWSL regular season appearance; became the 11th player in league history to score in her 100th match. The goal was her team-leading fourth of the season.
San Diego dictated much of the match offensively against Washington with a 16-7 shot advantage (6-3 in shots on target) though neither team was able to dent the other’s net.
Of note, the result marked the 40th NWSL shutout for Wave goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan.
The hosts earned one standing point with the draw to inch closer to the KC Current (11-2-0, 33 points) and Orlando Pride (8-4-1, 25 points).
The Wave transferred Sanchez to Mexican club Tigres UNAL Feminil on June 23. In 40 matches with San Diego, Sanchez had accumulated nine goals and seven assists. She was acquired in April 2024 after 62 matches with Houston where she had complied eight goals and 14 assists.
Sanchez had three goals with the Wave this season.
Sanchez thanked San Diego fans for their support over the past two years.
The Wave will resume NWSL action Aug. 2 with a road match against the North Carolina Courage (5-5-3, 18 points) and return to Snapdragon Stadium on Aug. 9 with a rivalry match against L.A.’s Angel City FC (4-6-3, 15 points).
The Wave will entertain season ticket holders with a July 12 exhibition match against the Utah Royals at Torero Stadium. The teams rematch July 20 in Utah.
The Wave will honor U.S. international Alex Morgan by permanently retiring her No. 13 Wave jersey on Sept. 7.
