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San Diego Wave’s starting back line has been one of the most consistent units in the NWSL this season. Perle Morroni, Kristen McNabb, Kennedy Wesley, and Mimi Van Zanten have developed chemistry quickly, and the results have mostly followed.
But behind that starting four, the depth chart becomes concerning very quickly.
Sunday’s 1-0 loss against the Orlando Pride highlighted just how thin the Wave are defensively. Morroni missed the match due to yellow card accumulation after starting every previous NWSL match this season. Without her, San Diego had to reshuffle pieces and rely on players outside of their natural roles.
Kiki Pickett started at left back despite primarily being a right back. Later in the match, midfielder Tatum Wynalda was used in the position as well. Neither option is ideal long term, especially for a team with playoff ambitions.
At center back, the concerns may be even bigger.
Kennedy Wesley and Kristen McNabb have each played all 1,080 available league minutes this season. Wesley, in particular, has become indispensable. The 25-year-old has quietly emerged as one of the most reliable center backs in the league, completing 88 percent of her passes while helping anchor one of the NWSL’s better defensive units.
The problem is that the Wave cannot realistically expect Wesley and McNabb to play every single minute all season without issues eventually arising.
Injuries, suspensions, international duty, and fatigue are part of the reality of an NWSL season. Right now, San Diego appears one setback away from a major defensive crisis.
The primary center back depth option is Daniela Arias, who has played just seven NWSL minutes since signing in March 2025. It is difficult to know what the Wave truly have in Arias because she simply has not seen the field.
Meanwhile, rookie center back Trinity Armstrong remains on the Season Ending Injury list after suffering a knee injury in November 2025. Armstrong was viewed as an important long term defensive piece for the club, but she is unavailable for this season.
At fullback, the situation is not much deeper. Morroni has been heavily relied upon on the left side, logging 976 minutes in 11 matches while contributing 23 tackles and 15 interceptions. On the right side, Van Zanten has started every match and continues to grow into the role, but there are not many proven alternatives behind her.
To San Diego’s credit, the starting group has largely delivered. Wesley and McNabb have formed a dependable center back partnership. Morroni has brought stability and defensive intensity on the left. Van Zanten continues to improve both defensively and in possession.
But depth is not tested until something goes wrong.
Against Orlando, the Wave already looked stretched by missing just one starter. That should be a warning sign moving forward.
The Wave are firmly in the playoff conversation and have looked like one of the better teams in the NWSL for stretches this season. However, if this club wants to remain in the race deep into the year, adding defensive reinforcements during the summer window may become less of a luxury and more of a necessity.
