The San Diego Wave beat the Kansas City Current 2–0 at Snapdragon Stadium on Friday 18 September. The win moved them within six points of NWSL Shield leaders Gotham FC. An own goal and a stoppage-time header from Kennedy Wesley sealed it, and the Wave now sit third with five games left, according to Just Women’s Sports.
How the San Diego Wave Beat Kansas City
The breakthrough came in the 50th minute. A cross meant for Gia Corley deflected off Kansas City’s Laney Rouse and into her own net, KC Soccer Journal reported.
Rouse’s night then got worse. She was sent off for a second yellow card in the 90th minute. A VAR review had turned a possible penalty into a free kick. Soon after, Kenza Dali swung in a free kick. Wesley then headed home in the first minute of stoppage time.
At the other end, goalkeeper Sandra Paños kept her second NWSL clean sheet, the club’s official match report said. A crowd of 10,761 watched the game.
Club Records and the Shield Race
It was San Diego’s first home win over Kansas City. It also ended a six-match league winless run against them. The victory also took the Wave to 14 wins, 8 defeats and 3 draws, with 45 points. As a result, the club extended its records for wins, points and home wins in a single season.
San Diego have now won four of their last five matches. “It’s a wide league — any team can beat any team,” head coach Jonas Eidevall told Just Women’s Sports.
Gotham remain the team to catch. They beat the North Carolina Courage 2–1 the following night, thanks to Jordynn Dudley’s late winner.
What’s Next for San Diego and Kansas City?
The Wave travel to Racing Louisville on Friday 25 September at 3:30pm PT (11:30pm BST and WAT). Meanwhile, Kansas City have 38 points and risk slipping out of the playoff places. They also have five games left.
Elsewhere in Southern California, Angel City are also climbing the table. Read how Angel City beat Seattle to reach their first 10-win season.
