The San Diego Wave secured a remarkable come-from-behind victory against Denver on Saturday night, preserving their leading position in the National Women’s Soccer League standings.
In a breathtaking display, San Diego engineered a stunning reversal, overcoming a two-goal halftime deficit. A flurry of three goals in just 16 minutes, one of which was an own goal, allowed the visiting Wave to defeat the new expansion team, Denver Summit, in front of a sold-out crowd at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
Denver began the match strongly, as their formidable attacking pair, Melissa Kössler and Natasha Flint, maintained their season-long scoring prowess by finding the net in the 16th and 32nd minutes.
However, once San Diego ignited its offense, they quickly reminded supporters why they hold the top spot in the league with an impressive 5-1-0 record. Saturday’s triumph extended their victorious run to five consecutive games; their sole defeat this season came in their inaugural match against the Houston Dash, a narrow 1-0 loss.
NWSL newcomer Lia Godfrey initiated San Diego’s scoring barrage, netting her fourth goal of the season in the 49th minute following a slick give-and-go play in the penalty area with teammate Kimmi Ascanio.
Just eight minutes later, defender Kennedy Wesley, buoyed by her strong performance at a USWNT camp the previous week, delivered a spectacular header from a corner kick to level the score. Remarkably, only eight days earlier, Wesley had scored her inaugural U.S. goal in Denver in a remarkably similar manner, though that U.S. goal was struck with her foot, also from a corner.
April 17: Kennedy Wesley @USWNT goal in CO
Tonight: Kennedy Wesley Wave goal in CO pic.twitter.com/Vynhps6ant
— San Diego Wave FC (@sandiegowavefc) April 26, 2026
“I don’t know, there’s something in that Denver air,” Wesley commented during her postgame interview on Ion. “There’s something about that specific goal, but truly, I owe thanks to Lia. That pass was absolutely perfect. I was simply fortunate to be in the right position at the crucial moment.”
Dudinha sealed San Diego’s three-goal comeback by compelling an own goal in the 65th minute. Her powerful cross deflected off Denver defender Carson Pickett directly into the net.
“I think it reveals a great deal. It demonstrates our willingness to be tenacious,” Wesley stated. “When circumstances aren’t unfolding in our favor, we understand we possess the potential, the skill, and the dedication to reverse the situation. So, it’s promising for what lies ahead.”
San Diego’s attention now shifts to a Wednesday showdown against the second-ranked Portland Thorns as part of the NWSL’s upcoming midweek fixtures. Before that, however, Portland (3-1-1) will first challenge a formidable Angel City FC team (3-1-0) at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday.
The Wave made a significant acquisition last month, signing USWNT star and former Chelsea player Cat Macario.
Macario has not yet played for the Wave and was sidelined for Saturday’s game due to a heel injury. The exact date for the San Diego native’s highly anticipated league debut remains uncertain, but her eventual inclusion is expected to further bolster an already formidable contender for the 2026 NWSL championship.