By Joel Casillas

San Diego Wave host Denver Summit in first-ever NWSL matchup in San Diego

San Diego — San Diego Wave continue their push to remain among the NWSL's top four and keep their hopes of hosting a playoff match alive after missing out on that opportunity last season.

The team coached by Jonas Eidevall will now welcome Denver Summit to Snapdragon Stadium for the first-ever matchup between the two clubs in San Diego.

Denver has enjoyed a solid start and features players such as Yazmeen Ryan and Janine Solis, who was recently named to the NWSL Best XI for July.

But for Denver, one of the biggest absences will be Lindsey Heaps, who is dealing with an ankle injury and will miss the match.

The Wave are also dealing with injuries to Trinity Armstrong, Kimmi Ascanio and Kicki Pickett, although Lia Godfrey remains available and continues to be an important player for San Diego's ambitions this season.

Another storyline to watch will be whether Laila Harbert, the team's recent addition, makes her San Diego Wave debut.

This will be the first-ever meeting between San Diego Wave and Denver Summit, marking the beginning of what could become a new NWSL rivalry. With both teams fighting for important goals this season, the matchup promises to be an intriguing test for the California side.