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San Diego Wave FC traveled to Utah to face Utah Royals FC for their second game of the 2026 NWSL season. The Wave hoped to win tonight after a disappointing loss against the Houston Dash last Saturday. For the Royals, it was their home opener, and their opportunity to set the pace of the season with their fans.
Tonight, Jonas Eidevall made only one change. After Didi Haracic suffered a knee injury, he put new signing Leah Freeman between the posts tonight, marking her debut for the San Diego Wave. Mimi Van Zanten started in the right back position after having to be substituted at half time during the home opener due to a knock. Dudinha, Ludmila, and Gabi Portilho rounded out the front three.
THE SD STARTERS IN SLC 🌊 pic.twitter.com/jgEoiH4o8O
— San Diego Wave FC (@sandiegowavefc) March 22, 2026
The First Half
Leah Freeman was tested early for her debut, with an early, off-target shot from the Royals giving her a goal kick opportunity less than two minutes in. Freeman worked closely with co-captain and defender Kennedy Wesley, who helped build possession from the back line.
Four minutes in, Mimi Van Zanten earned a shot after a corner from captain Kenza Dali. From the edge of the penalty box, Van Zanten shot into the lower right corner of the goal, forcing the goalkeeper to make a save.
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Center back Wesley ruined the Royal’s first attack, forcing forward Kiana Palacios out to the left of the penalty box, before the Wave defender’s press earned the ball back for the visitors.
Less than twenty minutes in, the Wave saw a return on their investment. The Utah Royal’s defender could not hold off the press from the Wave any longer. Ludmila forced a turnover, launched the ball across the goal to Dudinha, who buried the ball in the net for the lead. Dudinha’s goal is the Wave’s first goal of their campaign.
DUDINHA DELIVERS 🇧🇷👏 pic.twitter.com/XlCJ0LrfVB
— San Diego Wave FC (@sandiegowavefc) March 22, 2026
Just seconds later, Dudinha nearly scores again, but misfires just slightly into the Royal’s goalkeeper’s arms.
When the visitors weren’t in possession of the ball, captain Kenza Dali coordinated with defensive midfielder Laurina Fazer, trading positions to ensure the flow of the midfield supported the offense and the defense.
Freeman prevented the Royals from catching up just twenty-seven minutes into the game. Utah Royals forward Cece Delzer danced with the ball into the box, but Leah cut her off, snatching the ball from her feet before she could set up a shot to equalize against the Wave.
At the half hour mark, Portilho scored, but the ball was later ruled offside by the referee team. Although they didn’t double their lead, the Wave showed they were ready to score goals after their frustrating, scoreless home opener.
Now trailing, the Utah Royals played desperately. Their defenders launched the ball beyond the reach of their attackers, returning the ball to the Wave. WIth five minutes left in the half, head coach Jimmy Coenraents waited anxiously for the signal to bring his team to the locker room. They had to regroup if they were to score against the visitors.
The Second Half
The second half began with Utah seeing more of the ball, but the Wave remained organized, cutting out any early signs of danger. The Royals circulated possession, searching for an opening, but San Diego’s defensive shape held firm.
Just over ten minutes in, defender Ana Tejada stepped forward and tried her luck from distance, but Leah Freeman handled it comfortably, collecting the ball and quickly distributing to reset the Wave attack.
Looking to push for a second goal, head coach Jonas Eidevall turned to his bench, bringing on Kimmi Ascanio and Lia Godfrey. The pair immediately added energy and attacking intent, signaling San Diego’s desire to stay on the front foot.
However, a shift in momentum came when Utah capitalized on a throw-in deep in the Wave’s half. Building patiently from the back and working through the left side, the Royals broke through San Diego’s press. Lara Prašnikar found space and finished past Freeman to bring the match level.
After a brief VAR check confirmed the goal, Eidevall responded with another change, introducing Kiki Pickett at right back. Pickett’s fresh legs helped stabilize the flank as the match opened up, with both sides trading opportunities.
Freeman remained composed under pressure, making key saves to keep the score line level, while the Wave attack searched for a late breakthrough.
With less than ten minutes remaining, Utah’s task became significantly harder. Defender Tatum Milazzo received her second yellow card of the night, reducing the Royals to ten players and giving San Diego a crucial advantage.
The Wave pressed forward, sensing the moment. In the 87th minute, that pressure paid off. After winning the ball high up the pitch, Kimmi Ascanio quickly found Kenza Dali, who played a precise pass into Lia Godfrey. Godfrey made no mistake, slotting the ball past the goalkeeper to restore the Wave’s lead.
LIA GODFREY GAME WINNER FOR SD 🌊 pic.twitter.com/chFj5hGteB
— San Diego Wave FC (@sandiegowavefc) March 23, 2026
San Diego pushed to secure the result, with Eidevall introducing Tatum Wynalda for Ludmila to add fresh legs in the closing moments. Even in stoppage time, the Wave continued to press, nearly adding another through Godfrey, though the goal was ruled offside.
After a dominant but scoreless performance in their home opener, San Diego delivered when it mattered most, combining disciplined defending with decisive attacking moments to secure their first win of the 2026 season.
Utah, energized by their home crowd, showed resilience to fight back into the match, but ultimately struggled to create consistent chances down the stretch especially after going down to ten players.
For San Diego, the performance marked a step forward. Leah Freeman impressed in her debut, the attack found its rhythm, and late-game composure made the difference.
The Wave now return home with momentum, set to face their next challenge against the Portland Thorns on Wednesday, March 25th at 7:00 p.m. at Snapdragon Stadium, where they’ll look to build on their first victory of the campaign.
