San Diego Wave Find Answers Without Dudinha in 2-0 Win Over Gotham FC

San Diego Wave FC returned to Snapdragon Stadium tonight for an Independence Day clash against reigning NWSL Champions Gotham FC.

Tonight's game was the Wave's first home game since before the international break began in May. Without Dudinha, they would need to find a new route to score goals.

Head Coach Jonas Eidevall gave Luisa Agudelo her first start since singing before the season began. Luisa is the third goalkeeper this season to stand between the posts for the Wave. Since Sheridan's departure, the goalkeeper starting position remains open.

The First Half

Ludmila forced an early block from Gotham goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger, after breaking away from the visitor's back line. Berger's block was recycled by the Wave, and Melanie Barcenas shot just over the bar.

The Wave struggled to maintain possession in the opening stretch of the first half. Gotham's aggressive press disrupted the Wave's passing, and the Wave relied on counterattacks for goalscoring opportunities.

Agudelo was forced heroic save against Jordynn Dudley's shot from just feet away, and was met with roaring cheers from the Sirens. Gotham shot at goal ten times, but the Wave's defense blocked five shots, and two were taken care of by Agudelo.

While the first 45 minutes of the half were frustrating for the Wave, with eight shots so far, the closing moments of the half opened up the game.

Mel B received the ball from captain Kennedy Wesley, and delivered a powerful shot into the upper right corner of the goal. The Wave went into the locker room up 1-0 against Gotham.

The Second Half

Gia Corley opened the half with a great central run to the top of the box, and a powerful shot that was deflected right into Berger's hands. The Wave looked stronger and hungrier than in the first half, riding the momentum of Mel B's goal.

Kenza Dali lofted a pass to Gabi Portilho. Portilho's run put her perfectly in front of goal, but her tap in was mistimed, and went straight to the goalkeeper.

Head Coach Jonas Eidevall brought on Lia Godfrey and Tatum Wynalda for Gabi Portilho and Gia Corley. Lia immediately got hold of the ball, and made a dangerous run that drew a foul from Emily Sonnett.

The Wave's form improved significantly compared to the first half. Half way through the second, they shot five shots on target. Gotham scrambled to keep their defense organized, and Wynalda and Godfrey's fresh legs added to the challenge.

Eidevall made more changes. Laurina Fazer and Trinity Byars came on for Melanie Barcenas and Ludmila. Mimi Van Zanten, who struggled with cramps in her legs, made way for Trinity Armstrong. Armstrong suffered a knee injury in November of 2025, and this was her first time back on the pitch since.

The substitutes proved that the starting XI is as important as the finishing XI. Lia Godfrey’s assist to Trinity Byars caught the goalkeeper off the line. Byars smashed the ball into the net, doubling the Wave’s lead against Gotham to 2-0.

After ironing out the kinks in the first half, the Wave found their form against reigning NWSL champions. Luisa Agudelo earned a clean sheet on her debut for the Wave. Trinity Armstrong returned to the pitch after nearly 8 months, and two great goals earned three points for the Wave.