San Diego Wave loses 2–1 to Kansas City and misses out on home playoff advantage

Kansas City asserts dominance and denies San Diego Wave home advantage

In an intense and highly competitive match, Kansas City Current defeated San Diego Wave 2–1 at the CPKC Stadium, reaffirming their status as one of the strongest teams in the 2025 NWSL season. With this result, San Diego's squad lost the opportunity to host a playoff game and will now have to face the Portland Thorns on the road in the opening round of the postseason.

The Wave started off strongly, taking an early lead in the 7th minute thanks to Dudinha, who continues to prove herself as one of San Diego’s most dangerous attacking players. However, the advantage didn’t last long — Debinha equalized in the 53rd minute with a clinical finish.

The winning goal came in the 74th minute, when Nichelle Prince capitalized on a defensive lapse to score and secure the comeback victory for Kansas City in front of their home crowd.

Kansas City’s firepower makes them a title contender

The Current once again demonstrated why they’re considered one of the favorites to win the NWSL title. With a roster filled with elite talent — including Debinha, Bia Zaneratto, and Lo’eau LaBonta — Kansas City combined offensive precision with defensive discipline, showing they can dominate both ends of the pitch.

This win not only boosts their momentum heading into the playoffs but also solidifies Kansas City’s reputation as one of the most balanced and dangerous squads in the league.

San Diego Wave faces more questions than answers

Meanwhile, San Diego Wave struggled to maintain the consistency that once made them playoff favorites. Despite flashes of brilliance from Dudinha, Delphine Cascarino, and Kenza Dali, the team’s defensive mistakes and lack of finishing ultimately proved costly.

The Wave will now travel to face the Portland Thorns in the quarterfinals — a matchup full of history and rivalry. To stand a chance, Stoney’s side will need to rediscover their rhythm and regain the confidence that defined their early-season success.