In a clash of NWSL titans at Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego Wave FC delivered a statement victory over the streaking Washington Spirit, thanks to standout performances from Trinity Byars and Kimmi Ascanio. The match, which pitted the league's top two teams against each other on Friday night, lived up to every bit of the hype—and then some.
Byars, making her first professional start, wasted no time making an impact. She scored early in the 6th minute, a moment that carried extra weight given the adversity she's overcome to reach this stage. But Washington, who hadn't lost since their season opener, showed why they've been on such a roll. They knotted the game before halftime, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
That finish came in the 89th minute, when Ascanio rose above a crowded box to deliver a game-winning header that sent the home crowd into a frenzy. It was the kind of late-game heroics that define championship-caliber teams.
When asked postgame if this was a statement win, Wave head coach Jonas Eidevall kept his feet firmly on the ground. "You can't get carried away," he said, emphasizing the need for humility and focus on the next match. It's the kind of mentality that has served San Diego well all season.
The Wave entered this game with momentum, coming off a 2-1 road win against Angel City FC at BMO Stadium. In that match, Dudinha was the star, scoring in the 49th minute and then setting up rookie defender Mimi Van Zanten's first-ever goal—a game-winner in the 81st minute. That victory was especially important after San Diego had dropped back-to-back games against Portland Thorns and Bay FC.
Friday's lineup showed Eidevall's willingness to shake things up. Byars started alongside Gabi Portilho and Dudinha up front, while veteran striker Ludmila—who had started every game this season—began on the bench. The midfield was anchored by Kenza Dali, Ascanio, and Gia Corley, while the backline of Kennedy Wesley, Kristen McNabb, Van Zanten, and Perle Morroni, with DiDi Haracic in goal, continued to provide a solid foundation.
It's no surprise that ESPN's recent list of the Top 25 NWSL players this season featured four Wave players: Dudinha (No. 2), Dali (No. 4), Wesley (No. 11), and Godfrey (No. 18). Washington also had four representatives: forward Rosemonde Kouassi (No. 3), midfielder Leicy Santos (No. 8), forward Trinity Rodman (No. 12), and defender Esme Morgan (No. 20).
For San Diego, this win was more than just three points—it was a reminder that they belong at the top of the table. And for fans looking to gear up like their favorite Wave stars, there's never been a better time to rep the blue and orange.