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San Diego Wave FC return from the international break with a road trip to face Denver Summit FC, with kickoff set for 5:45pm PDT on Friday night at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. The Wave enter the match atop the league standings after four straight wins, while Denver have quickly become one of the early surprises of the season.
Denver are one of two expansion clubs in the NWSL this year, but they have looked anything but overwhelmed. Organized defensively and difficult to break down, the Summit enter the match riding a three-game shutout streak that has immediately made them a competitive side.
One of the biggest lineup questions for San Diego is in goal. Veteran Didi Haracic is now available after injury, but Leah Freeman has impressed during her recent run in the starting role. The Wave have won all four matches with Freeman starting, including clean sheets in the last two, giving head coach Jonas Eidevall a strong decision to make.
The international break could also influence selection decisions across the pitch. Several Wave players logged significant minutes with their national teams, so rotation or managed workloads would not be a surprise. With momentum on one side and fatigue management on the other, San Diego’s squad depth may again play a key role as they look to keep their winning streak alive.
Out: Trinity Armstrong (Knee - SEI), Gia Corley (Lower Leg), Adriana Leon (Back), Cat Macario (Heel)
Match Information
Teams: San Diego Wave FC vs Denver Summit FC
Referees: Alexandra Billeter (Ref), Cameron Siler (AR1), Sarah Gaddes (AR2), Adam Rice (4th), Alyssa Pennington (VAR), Christian Clerc (AVAR)
Date: April 25th, 2026
Time: 5:45pm PDT, Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, Colorado
TV: Ion
Forecast: 65º/35º. 58º at kickoff. Cloudy. 14 mph winds. 10% chance of rain. 34% humidity.
Denver Summit FC
The Numbers
2026 Goal Leaders: Melissa Kössler (3)
2026 Assist Leaders: Natasha Flint (1) | Yuna McCormack (1) | Janine Sonis (1)
Last Match: Summit 0-0 Reign
Denver Summit FC Overview
San Diego Wave’s next opponent is an expansion side already proving difficult to break down. Denver Summit FC enter the match unbeaten in their last three, including a recent 0-0 draw with Seattle Reign in which they matched one of the league’s stronger sides physically and tactically. Seattle controlled stretches of possession, but Denver stayed compact, limited clear chances, and nearly stole the match late.
That result followed another scoreless draw against Washington Spirit and a 2-0 win over defending champions Gotham FC. For a first-year club, Denver have looked organized, disciplined, and far more settled than many expansion teams usually do this early in a season.
Player to Watch
If there is one attacking name the Wave must track closely, it is Melissa Kössler. The German forward has quickly become a focal point of Denver’s front line, combining intelligent movement with a willingness to press defenders and attack space behind the back line.
Another game, another Kössler goal 😏 pic.twitter.com/f1NcHSsNXi
— Denver Summit FC (@denversummitfc) March 26, 2026
Kössler scored in the win over Gotham and has consistently been among Denver’s most active chance creators. Against Seattle, she was again involved in several dangerous moments as Denver generated 18 shots. Even when she is not scoring, her movement can open lanes for teammates like Yazmeen Ryan and Janine Sonis arriving into advanced areas.
How the Wave Can Break Through
Denver’s biggest strength right now is defensive structure. Three straight clean sheets is no accident. They defend with discipline, protect central spaces, and force opponents into rushed or lower-quality chances. Their back line has also received steady goalkeeping support from Abby Smith.
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For San Diego Wave, patience and tempo changes may be key. Quick switches of play can stretch Denver’s compact shape, while aggressive counterpressing could prevent the Summit from settling into transitions. The Wave have recently shown an ability to win matches with their finishing XI, and that depth could matter again. If Denver can stay organized for 60 minutes, fresh legs and sharper movement late may be where cracks finally appear.
San Diego Wave FC
The Numbers
2026 Goal Leaders: Lia Godfrey (3)
2026 Assist Leaders: Dudinha (3)
Last Match: Wave 2-0 Stars
San Diego Wave FC Overview
San Diego Wave entered the international break on the back of another composed road result, earning a 1-0 win over Boston Legacy. It was not the most open match of their recent run, but it may have been one of the most mature performances. Against a physical opponent intent on disrupting rhythm, the Wave stayed patient, controlled key moments, and trusted their structure.
The breakthrough came in the second half when Kimmi Ascanio won the ball in transition and released Ludmila, who finished confidently for her first goal of the season. From there, San Diego managed the match well, limiting Boston to zero shots on target and extending the club’s historic winning streak to four matches.
Player to Watch
Few players may return from the break with more confidence than co-captain Kennedy Wesley. The center back delivered a standout performance for the United States Women's National Team against Japan Women's National Football Team, recording her first international goal and first assist in a 3-0 win.
The first goal in Kennedy's international career ☝️ pic.twitter.com/SDAFyeLUJq
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) April 19, 2026
Wesley’s growth has been one of the most important stories of the Wave season. Already a commanding defender in league play, she now returns with added momentum after influencing the match on both ends of the field. Her pace, recovery defending, and strength in duels make her critical against a Denver side that looks to spring forward quickly. On set pieces, she also offers another route to goal.
The Formula for Success
To continue their surge, the formula does not need to change much. The Wave have recently succeeded by pressing with structure, controlling central spaces, and using depth to wear opponents down late. Against Denver Summit, patience will again be important. Denver have built their early success on defensive organization and three straight clean sheets, so forcing rushed attacks could play into their hands.
Instead, San Diego should continue circulating possession with purpose, stretching the field, and trusting their finishing XI to shift the match in the second half. Quick ball movement can pull Denver’s compact shape apart, while counter pressing after turnovers can prevent the Summit from launching transitions toward Melissa Kössler. If the Wave stay disciplined defensively and clinical when openings arrive, there is every reason to believe the run can continue.
