Haračić, Ludmila Stand Out in Wave’s 1–1 Draw with KC

San Diego Wave FC continued their preseason campaign today with a matchup against the Kansas City Current at the Coachella Valley Invitational. In a competitive, high-tempo contest, the two sides finished level at 1–1.

With the departure of Kailen Sheridan this offseason, much of the focus entering the match centered around who would take command between the posts. Head Coach Jonas Eidevall turned to DiDi Haračić, who earned the start in goal and was called into action early.

San Diego’s starting lineup featured several new faces from the winter transfer window. Haračić was protected by a back line of Wesley at right center back, Kristen McNabb at left center back, Kiki Pickett at right back, and Perle Morroni at left back. In midfield, Lia Godfrey, Ascanio, and Fazer worked to control possession, while Dudinha and Ludmila provided width alongside Gia Corley.

Kansas City came out pressing aggressively, pushing the tempo through midfield and forcing rushed passes from the Wave. In the third minute, Haračić was tested early and made a sharp save to keep the match level. The veteran goalkeeper was active off her line throughout the first half, frequently stepping out to disrupt through balls and crosses.

The Current earned a dangerous set piece in the seventh minute, but the opportunity sailed over the crossbar. Despite Kansas City’s pressure, San Diego’s defensive unit remained coordinated, cutting off crosses and forcing several shots high and wide.

As the half progressed, the Wave found more attacking rhythm. Ludmila imposed herself on the match, relentlessly pressing the Kansas City back line, competing aggressively for loose balls, and making dynamic runs into the box that repeatedly stretched the defense. Her work rate energized the Wave attack and forced the Current into rushed clearances.

In the 30th minute, Dudinha delivered a cross toward Godfrey, signaling San Diego’s growing confidence in possession. Four minutes later, Godfrey stepped up to take a corner, finding Dudinha for a shot that just cleared the crossbar.

The breakthrough came in the 37th minute, and it was a true team effort. Dudinha initiated the move, combining with Gia Corley before the ball worked through Ascanio and Godfrey. Corley finished the sequence, capping off a fluid, multi-player build-up that showcased the Wave’s chemistry. San Diego entered halftime with a 1–0 advantage.

The second half shifted momentum.

Kansas City increased their pressure and began generating consistent chances. San Diego struggled to maintain possession in midfield, allowing the Current to push numbers forward. Former Wave forward Kyra Carusa featured against her former club, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup.

At halftime, Nya Harrison replaced Morroni at left back, introducing fresh legs into the defensive line.

Around the hour mark, San Diego made additional changes. Ludmila and McNabb exited, while non-rostered invitee Kali Kniskern entered at striker. Tatum Wynalda, also a non-rostered invitee, came on in the midfield, and Arias provided fresh legs as the Wave sought to regain control.

In the 63rd minute, San Diego earned a corner and capitalized on a stretch of possession, with both Corley and Ascanio putting shots on target. Despite those chances, the equalizer eventually came.

In the 83rd minute, Kansas City converted off a corner kick, leveling the match at 1–1 after sustained second-half pressure.

The preseason contest concluded in a draw.

While the result may not carry standings implications, the match offered valuable insight. Haračić’s command in goal, Ludmila’s relentless energy up front, and the continued integration of new signings under Eidevall were clear takeaways as San Diego continues preparations for the regular season.