Preview: Wave Begin Fifth Season with Home Opener Against Houston Dash

The 2026 NWSL season kicks off for the San Diego Wave FC this Saturday, March 14 at 5:45 p.m. as the Wave return to Snapdragon Stadium to take on the Houston Dash.

After the offseason departures of two key players, Delphine Cascarino and Kailen Sheridan, the Wave enter the new season with a few questions about what the team’s new shape will look like on the pitch.

Saturday night provides the first chance to start answering those questions. Under new head coach Jonas Eidevall, the Wave have the building blocks for success, and the home opener offers the perfect stage to begin proving what this new era of San Diego soccer can be.

Match Information

Teams: San Diego Wave FC vs Houston Dash
Referees: Muhammad Hassan (Ref), Jennifer Garner (AR1), Fernando Fierro (AR2), Abdu Razzaq Juma (4th), Brad Jensen (VAR), Brian Marshall (AVAR)
Odds: SD (-155 ), Draw (+270), HOU(+340)
Date: March 14th, 2026
Time: 5:45pm, Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, California
TV: ION
Forecast: 79º/50º. 71º at kickoff. Partly sunny. 8 mph winds. 0% chance of rain. 54% humidity.

Houston Dash

The Numbers

Houston Dash Overview

Houston enters the 2026 season looking to build on a year that showed flashes of progress but still lacked consistency in the final third. The Dash were often organized defensively and comfortable controlling possession, but turning that control into goals remained a challenge.

Players to Watch

One player to watch is midfielder Maggie Graham, who emerged as one of the team’s most intriguing young talents last season. Graham showed an ability to impact games in multiple roles, spending time both higher up the field and deeper in midfield. Her energy and ability to arrive late in the box helped produce several key goals.

The Dash made a few notable roster moves during the offseason. They added striker Makenzy Robbe, a former San Diego Wave player, and brought in goalkeeper Caroline DeLisle for additional depth behind captain Jane Campbell. On the other side, Houston lost midfielder Belle Briede and young defender Zoe Matthews, part of a group of players who departed as the club continues shaping its roster.

Breaking Down Houston’s Game Plan

With head coach Fabrice Gautrat at the helm, Houston has shown a willingness to adjust between systems, but the general idea remains similar. The Dash want to stay organized defensively, press when opportunities arise, and create chances through quick transitions or direct play into their attacking line.

The Wave will need to test Houston’s ability to break down pressure. The Dash have shown they can control stretches of possession, but they have also struggled at times to generate consistent shots on target. If the Wave can force turnovers in midfield and attack quickly, there may be space to exploit before Houston settles into its defensive shape.

There is also a family storyline in this matchup. Wave rookie Mimi Van Zanten could face her older sister Kiki Van Zanten, who is expected to feature in Houston’s attack.

San Diego Wave FC

The Numbers

San Diego Wave FC Overview

San Diego Wave FC enter the 2026 season with a sense of continuity and momentum after closing last year on a strong run that ultimately led to a playoff appearance. Now in his second season in charge, head coach Jonas Eidevall believes the foundation established in 2025 gives the team a clearer identity heading into opening night.

“We established a lot of our game model and how we want to play,” Eidevall said during the pre-match press conference. “Now we have a good foundation… and were able to get everyone joining the group on the same page as quick as possible.”

That identity revolves around possession, movement, and flexibility in attack. Eidevall emphasized that the Wave want to move the ball quickly and create opportunities both in front of and behind opposing back lines. With several attacking additions this offseason, the team may have more ways to do that than ever before.

Brazilian Firepower Up Front

One of the most exciting storylines for fans will be the potential all-Brazilian front three featuring Ludmila, Gabi Portilho, and Dudinha.

San Diego struggled at times last season with converting chances, but the addition of Ludmila and Portilho aims to address exactly that. Ludmila has already proven herself in the NWSL, scoring consistently since arriving in the league, while Portilho brings speed and creativity to the attack. Combined with Dudinha’s flair and technical ability on the wing, the trio could provide the type of dynamic attacking play that Eidevall hinted at during preseason.

“I hope we’re a really exciting team to watch,” Eidevall said. “We’ve added both individual quality and speed up front to make us more flexible in whether we attack in front or behind the opponent’s back line.”

If the chemistry develops quickly, San Diego’s attack could become one of the most entertaining in the league.

A New Era in Goal

Another key storyline for the Wave is the transition in goal following the departure of longtime starter Kailen Sheridan.

Veteran goalkeeper Didi Haracic is expected to feature heavily early in the season after getting significant minutes during preseason. Haracic brings years of NWSL experience and a calm presence behind the back line.

Center back Kennedy Wesley spoke highly of the goalkeeper’s influence on the defensive unit.

“She provides such a good sense of calm and control in the back line,” Wesley said. “When games get hectic and chaotic, she does a really good job of bringing us back in and simplifying the game.”

While the starting job could rotate early in the year, Haracic’s experience and leadership may prove valuable as the defense settles into the new season.

Leadership at the Core

Leadership will also play a major role in how the Wave approach the 2026 campaign. The club named Kenza Dali and Kennedy Wesley as co-captains, a structure Eidevall believes reflects the team’s collective mentality.

“I really believe that leadership is not a one-person job,” Eidevall said. “It’s about orchestrating and using the strengths of the people around you.”

Wesley echoed that sentiment, emphasizing how committed the group is to the team’s goals.

“This group makes my job super easy,” she said. “Everyone is very bought in and motivated.”

With experienced voices throughout the lineup, the Wave will look to balance their technical style with the defensive intensity Wesley said the team focused on improving during the offseason.

A Possible Sister Showdown

Saturday’s match could also feature one of the more unique storylines of the opening weekend.

Rookie defender Mimi Van Zanten may make her professional debut for the Wave, potentially facing her older sister Kiki Van Zanten, who plays for Houston.

Depending on her fitness, Mimi could appear as a substitute. If she does enter the match, it would set up a rare moment where two sisters share the field on opposing sides in an NWSL match.

Eidevall acknowledged the moment with a smile during the press conference.

“What a great moment that would be,” he said. “Two sisters being able to play a professional game against each other.”

What to Watch

With a revamped attack, experienced leadership, and a defensive unit focused on improved organization, the Wave enter their home opener with plenty of intrigue. Fans should keep an eye on how quickly the new attacking pieces connect, how the defense adapts in front of Haracic, and whether the club’s younger players begin carving out meaningful roles early in the season.

If the preseason optimism translates onto the field, Snapdragon Stadium could see an exciting start to San Diego’s fifth NWSL season.