The San Diego Wave FC concluded its 2025 National Women’s Soccer League season with a heartbreaking 1-0 overtime loss in the opening playoff round. The club now sets ambitious goals for the upcoming 2026 San Diego Wave FC season, aiming to secure its inaugural NWSL championship through a revitalized roster and renewed determination.
Recap of 2025 Season Highlights and Player Movements
The 2025 campaign began with promise on March 16, when the Wave earned a 1-1 draw at Angel City. Early momentum was sparked by forward Gia Corley, who netted the team’s opening goal in just the fifth minute. Home fans witnessed a thrilling 3-2 victory against Utah Royals during the first home game on March 22, as Corley scored again and assisted, while Maria Sánchez and Adriana Leon also contributed goals.
Enhancing their defensive line, the club signed Colombian defender Daniela Arias to a two-year contract on March 26. Arias brought Olympian and World Cup experience, having competed for Colombia in the 2024 Summer Olympics and 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Delphine Cascarino earned NWSL Player of the Week honors on April 25, spotlighted for her two goals and an assist that led to San Diego’s inaugural road victory over Racing Louisville. Her impact was vital in building team confidence. Meanwhile, on May 13, retired star Alex Morgan rejoined San Diego Wave FC as a minority owner. Morgan, who concluded her illustrious playing career in September 2024, left a lasting legacy with a league-record 16 goals in the team’s 2022 debut season and leading them to an NWSL Shield in 2023. The club honored her influence by retiring her No. 13 jersey on September 7.
Trinity Armstrong became the youngest player named to the league’s Team of the Month on June 12 after anchoring the Wave’s defense throughout May and contributing offensively with a goal and two assists. Her discipline helped limit opponents to only four goals, one being a penalty.
Further bolstering the attack, San Diego acquired Brazilian forward Dudinha from São Paulo FC on July 24. Dudinha, instrumental in her previous club’s league championship, amassed 14 goals in 65 appearances before joining the Wave.
Returning from an extended international break, the team secured a stalemate against North Carolina Courage on August 2, concluding the season’s first half with seven wins, three draws, and three losses, placing them third in the standings. On August 27, defender Kennedy Wesley—San Diego’s 2024 first-round draft pick—earned a contract extension for three years.
In early October, the club made a coaching change by dismissing assistant coach Jack Jensen, who had previous experience leading teams in Norway and Sweden. Two weeks later, NBA All-Star and Poway native Jimmy Butler was announced as a new Wave part-owner, strengthening local ties and support.
The regular season wrapped up on November 2 with a record of 10 wins, seven draws, and nine losses, setting the Wave up as the sixth seed heading into the playoffs. Their campaign ended swiftly on November 9, falling 1-0 in overtime to the Portland Thorns.
Ending the calendar year on a high note, the club captured the World Sevens women’s tournament title on December 12 by defeating Tigres UANL 3-0, securing a $2 million prize.
December 29 marked the mutual departure of veteran goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan, who had been with the team since 2022. Sheridan, recognized as NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year in the club’s inaugural season, achieved over 600 career saves, a rare feat in the league. Across her tenure with San Diego, she started 87 matches.
2026 Roster Upgrades and Early Season Preparations
Early January saw San Diego make significant roster moves to strengthen the squad. On January 13, they signed Brazilian forward Ludmila from the Chicago Stars with a three-year deal and an $800,000 initial transfer fee that could increase to $1 million depending on performance. Ludmila brings experience from 185 professional games with 31 career goals.
Goalkeeper DiDi Haračić, who started two matches in 2025 and carries over 100 NWSL appearances since 2013, was re-signed to a one-year contract on January 16. Shortly after, on January 18, San Diego and forward Delphine Cascarino mutually agreed to part ways due to personal reasons. Cascarino, who arrived in mid-2024, had been a key contributor with 11 goals last season and earned MVP finalist recognition.
“Every moment of my time in San Diego is something I will always cherish.” – Delphine Cascarino, Forward
Midfielder Gia Corley secured a contract extension through the 2027 season on January 26 after a promising rookie campaign with two goals and two assists in 21 starts.
The Wave strengthened their goalkeeper options by signing Colombian Luisa Agudelo to a three-year contract on January 27. Agudelo, a two-time league champion with Deportivo Cali who turned pro at 15, will compete for the starting role alongside Haračić and the young Leah Freeman.
San Diego revealed new uniforms on February 26, showcasing designs inspired by the tile work of Balboa Park, honoring local cultural heritage.
In early March, the club signed Brazilian forward Gabi Portilho from Gotham FC, trading $175,000 in transfer funds. Portilho, who appeared 17 times with Gotham in 2025, recorded three goals and assists, and was part of Brazil’s silver-medal-winning squad at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
On March 5, star midfielder Kenza Dali, a constant presence last season and co-leading scorer with five goals, extended her contract for two years. Dali also earned a 2025 finalist spot for NWSL midfielder of the year.
Excitement Builds for Home Games and Themed Events at Snapdragon Stadium
The Wave’s fifth season launch is set for March 14 with a home opener against Houston Dash at Snapdragon Stadium. Fans attending will receive rally towels and enjoy family-oriented activities on the stadium’s east side before kickoff at 5:45 p.m.
The 2026 schedule includes nine themed games featuring special giveaways and community celebrations:
- May 3 – Kids’ Night: Early match kickoff at 4 p.m. versus Bay FC with pre-game and halftime activities designed for children.
- May 15 – Asian American and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Night: Fans get complimentary Wave aloha shirts at the 7 p.m. game against the Washington Spirit, led by Trinity Rodman.
- July 11 – Rivalry Night: The Wave face off against Angel City at 5:45 p.m.; a pre-match fan fest will be held with a beach towel giveaway.
- July 26 – Pride Match: Celebrations of the LGBTQ+ community with entertainment during the 2 p.m. contest against Seattle Reign.
- August 14 – Hello Kitty Night: The inaugural themed night includes a special ticket package offering exclusive Wave FC x Hello Kitty merchandise for the 7 p.m. game against Denver Summit FC.
- August 28 – Fan Appreciation Night: Racing Louisville visits at 7 p.m., complemented by a pre-match fan fest and a unique Wave surf shirt giveaway.
- September 12 – Noche Latina: Fans celebrate Hispanic culture during a 3:30 p.m. match against North Carolina Courage featuring community activities and performances.
- October 25 – Military Appreciation Day: The final home game of the regular season at 4 p.m. against Boston Legacy honors service members.
These events are designed to deepen fan engagement and reflect the diverse community that supports the club.
Aspiring for NWSL Glory in 2026
Building on a solid foundation established in the past seasons, the San Diego Wave FC enters 2026 with a renewed intensity and clear purpose. Underpinned by significant roster enhancements including young talents like Trinity Armstrong and experienced internationals such as Daniela Arias and Ludmila, the club is determined to transform playoff heartbreak into championship success.
The Wave’s strong local connections through minority owners like Alex Morgan and Jimmy Butler also bolster their off-field strength, ensuring supportive momentum. The carefully crafted schedule with theme nights and community events at Snapdragon Stadium aims to galvanize fan support, creating a vibrant atmosphere for the team’s pursuit of its maiden NWSL title.
With the season opener approaching on March 14, San Diego’s players, staff, and supporters share a collective sense of urgency and hope, striving to raise the championship trophy for the first time in club history.
