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San Diego Wave FC and Colombian international defender Daniela Arias have mutually agreed to part ways, ending her time with the club after joining ahead of the 2025 NWSL season.
Arias arrived in San Diego from Corinthians Feminino with international experience and was expected to provide additional depth at center back. However, opportunities were limited as Kristen McNabb and Kennedy Wesley quickly established themselves as the preferred pairing in the back line.
During her time with the Wave, Arias made just two regular season appearances, totaling eight minutes in 2025. She did not appear during the 2026 NWSL season before the club announced the mutual contract termination.
“We want to thank Dani for her time with the Wave,” said Sporting Director and General Manager Camille Ashton. “Dani has been an incredible member of this team and contributed greatly to our environment in San Diego. We wish her the best in this mutual decision to allow her to pursue other opportunities.”
While Arias’ departure does not immediately change San Diego’s starting lineup, it does highlight the importance of defensive depth as the Wave enter the second half of the season.
San Diego’s back line has been one of the most consistent units in the league, with McNabb and Wesley starting all 13 matches this season. The pair have helped anchor a defense that has allowed the Wave to remain near the top of the NWSL standings.
With Arias now gone, Trinity Armstrong’s potential return becomes even more significant.
The 18-year-old defender has been sidelined since suffering a knee injury during the Wave’s final playoff match of 2025, but her return could provide a major boost. Armstrong entered the season as an important long-term piece for San Diego and brings valuable experience despite her young age.
If Armstrong is able to return soon, the Wave would have a more reliable rotation option alongside McNabb and Wesley. That trio gives San Diego flexibility at center back while reducing the pressure on the starters to play every available minute.
The Wave have relied heavily on their defensive consistency during their strong start to the 2026 season. Kennedy Wesley and Kristen McNabb have played every available league minute, while the fullback group of Perle Morroni and Mimi Van Zanten has also provided stability.
Arias’ departure leaves less margin for error, but the possible return of Armstrong could help restore some of that depth. As San Diego prepares for the second half of the season and a July 4 matchup against Gotham FC, maintaining defensive consistency will remain one of the biggest keys to their playoff push.
