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The San Diego Wave FC return to Snapdragon Stadium Saturday night to face the Chicago Stars FC, with kickoff set for 5:45 p.m. PT. The Wave enter the match on a two-game win streak, most recently earning a 3-1 victory over the Portland Thorns FC. Goals from Dudinha, Lia Godfrey, and Melanie Barcenas secured all three points as San Diego controlled much of the match and created consistent pressure in the attack.
The Wave have faced a demanding stretch, playing three matches in seven days. Head coach Jonas Eidevall will likely continue rotating the lineup to manage fitness. Leah Freeman made her debut against the Utah Royals FC and followed it up with another start against Portland, and she is expected to feature again in goal Saturday night.
Against the Thorns, Eidevall turned to Godfrey on the right wing in place of Gabi Portilho, while Kimmi Ascanio started in midfield over Laurina Fazer. With Gia Corley managing her fitness, Ascanio could once again be in line for a start as San Diego look to maintain their momentum.
Out: Trinity Armstrong (Knee - SEI), Trinity Byars (Knee), Didi Haracic (Knee), Adriana Leon (Back), Cat Macario (Heel)
Questionable: Gia Corley (Lower Leg)
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Match Information
Teams: San Diego Wave FC vs Chicago Stars FC
Referees: Servando Berna (Ref), Seth Barton (AR1), Seun Yinka-Kehinde (AR2), Jose Landa (4th), Anya Voigt (VAR), Karsten Gillwald (AVAR)
Odds: SD (-320), Draw (+600), CHI(+400)
Date: March 28nd, 2026
Time: 5:45pm, Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, California
TV: Ion
Forecast: 83º/56º. 77º at kickoff. Sunny. 9 mph winds. 0% chance of rain. 45% humidity.
Wave Wins: 5
Wave Goals: 17
Draws: 0
Stars Wins: 3
Stars Goals: 10
Last Meeting: Wave 6-1 Stars
Chicago Stars FC
The Numbers
2026 Goal Leaders: Tessa Dellarose (1) | Jordyn Huitema (1)
2026 Assist Leaders: Ryan Gareis (1)
Last Match: Stars 0-3 Pride
Chicago Stars FC Overview
The Chicago Stars FC enter Saturday’s matchup coming off a 3-0 loss to the Orlando Pride, a result that was effectively decided in the first half. Orlando struck three times in a 22-minute stretch, exposing Chicago’s defensive vulnerabilities and forcing the Stars into an uphill battle they never recovered from.
To their credit, Chicago showed more life after the break. Chances from Ivonne Chacón, Julia Grosso, and Jameese Joseph came in quick succession, but the finishing touch was missing. The performance continued a trend through three matches: flashes of attacking promise, but inconsistency and defensive lapses that leave little margin for error.
Player to Watch
One of the brightest spots for Chicago early this season has been Jordyn Huitema. The Canadian international has already made her presence felt, scoring in the 2-1 win over the Kansas City Current and consistently positioning herself as a focal point in the attack.
That’s how you open your Stars account(s) 😏
— Chicago Stars FC (@theChicagoStars) March 23, 2026
First assist for Ryan. First goal for Jordyn. pic.twitter.com/WFWuhVKauh
Huitema’s movement in the box and aerial ability make her a real threat, especially on crosses and in transition moments. Even in matches where Chicago struggles to control possession, she has shown the ability to generate chances from limited service. With players like Ryan Gareis and Julia Grosso capable of delivering balls into dangerous areas, Huitema remains the player most likely to punish defensive lapses.
How the Wave Avoid an Upset
On paper, this is a match the San Diego Wave FC should control, but avoiding complacency will be key. Chicago’s defensive structure has been inconsistent, particularly when dealing with sustained pressure and quick passing sequences. That plays directly into San Diego’s strengths, as seen in their recent win over the Portland Thorns FC, where the Wave repeatedly broke lines and generated high-quality chances.
For San Diego, the blueprint is straightforward: move the ball quickly, stretch Chicago’s back line, and capitalize early. The Stars have already shown they can be overwhelmed when forced to defend in transition or deal with waves of attacking pressure. However, the Wave must remain disciplined defensively. Limiting service into Huitema and staying organized against counterattacks will be crucial.
If San Diego executes their game plan and maintains focus, this is a match that should tilt in their favor. But as Chicago’s win over Kansas City showed, they are capable of capitalizing on mistakes, and the Wave will need to ensure they don’t offer any openings.
San Diego Wave FC
The Numbers
2026 Goal Leaders: Dudinha (2) | Lia Godfrey (2)
2026 Assist Leaders: Kenza Dali (1) | Dudinha (1) | Gia Corley (1)
Last Match: Wave 3-1 Thorns
San Diego Wave FC Overview
San Diego Wave FC enter Saturday’s match in strong form after a commanding 3-1 win over the Portland Thorns FC. San Diego struck early through Dudinha and never lost control of the match, consistently generating chances and forcing Portland into a reactive role. Even after conceding an equalizer, the Wave responded with composure, reclaiming the lead before adding a third late to seal the result.
That performance built on their 2-1 road win against the Utah Royals FC, where San Diego showed resilience and late-game execution. Across both matches, the Wave have combined high-pressure attacking play with disciplined defending, creating a clear identity under Jonas Eidevall. With back-to-back wins and growing confidence, they return to Snapdragon Stadium with real momentum.
Player to Watch
Few players have made a bigger early impact than Dudinha. The Brazilian forward has quickly become a central figure in the Wave attack, recording two goals and one assist in just two matches. Her ability to find space, attack defenders off the dribble, and finish chances has added a new dimension to San Diego’s frontline.
year 2 Dudinha in the @NWSL is gonna be a problem 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/B4GvjkKMAZ
— San Diego Wave FC (@sandiegowavefc) March 26, 2026
Dudinha’s influence goes beyond the scoresheet. Her movement pulls defenders out of shape, opening lanes for players like Kenza Dali and Lia Godfrey to exploit. Whether she is finishing chances herself or creating for others, she has been at the heart of everything the Wave do going forward. If her current form continues, she will be a constant problem for Chicago’s back line.
The Formula for Success
For San Diego, the path to victory is less about adjustment and more about consistency. The Wave have found success by pressing high, moving the ball quickly, and sustaining pressure in the attacking third. Against a Chicago side that has struggled defensively, maintaining that tempo will be key.
Equally important is defensive discipline. While the Wave have controlled large stretches of their recent matches, they have still conceded chances in transition. Limiting those moments and staying compact at the back will prevent Chicago from gaining confidence. If San Diego can combine their attacking intensity with defensive focus, they should be able to dictate the match and continue their strong run of form.
