The San Diego Wave played its fifth game of the 2025 NWSL regular season against Racing Louisville this Saturday, April 19.

The Wave was looking for its first road win of the season after a defeat to Orlando Pride and a Draw vs. Angel City in previous road games.

San Diego was coming off a 2-0 loss at Snapdragon Stadium to Kansas City, and some changes to the lineup were expected. With the international break coming before last week’s game, key players like Gia Corley, Adriana Leon, and Hanna Lundkvist were sidelined.

All three of those players were back in Jonas Eidevall’s starting 11, and there was another major change for this match. Seventeen-year-old Melanie Barcenas received the start in Kentucky over Maria Sanchez, who had an unimpressive match against Kansas City.

The Wave controlled 71 percent of the possession in the first half but had only one major scoring opportunity. This came in the 16th minute after a free kick was awarded just outside the box after a handball by Ary Borges.

Great free kick goal by Kenza Dali that is giving San Diego Wave a 1-0 lead over Louisville. #SDWave pic.twitter.com/JdASvc6FRU

— Francisco Velasco (@FranciscoEfV) April 19, 2025

Kenza Dali stepped up to take the free kick and masterfully put the ball into the back of the net. The French midfielder struck the ball with precision to the left side of the net, and the sphere was unreachable for goalkeeper Katie Lund.

Just when the half seemed to be ending in San Diego’s favor, a penalty was called for the home team. Louisville’s Katie O’ Kane was taken down inside of the box by Gia Corley. VAR had to make the decision as there was a foul before the foul inside of the box.

Ary Borges redeemed herself and scored from the spot to tie the game at Lynn Family Stadium. The free kick and the penalty were the only shots on target in the half, as the match lacked much offensive play in the opening 45 minutes.

The second half certainly brought more action to the match, with the Wave really taking charge of the match. In the 49th minute, Melanie Barcenas scored her first goal of the season in what was her first start of the season. Delphine Cascarino weaved into the box from the right flank and crossed the ball to Barcenas, who came closing in to score off a first-time shot.

Melanie Barcenas’ first goal of the season in her first start of the season. #SDWave pic.twitter.com/F3OA125JHp

— Francisco Velasco (@FranciscoEfV) April 19, 2025

The Wave had a bit of luck in their third goal of the day as Katie Lund had a massive blunder that allowed the goal. Delphine Cascarino shot towards the net, and the ball went right through Lund’s legs as she tried to take control of the sphere.

Cascarino continued her immense performance and scored off another shot from outside of the box in the 76th minute. This time, the French forward was not helped by a blunder from the opposing goalkeeper as she struck a very well-located shot to get the 4-1 lead.

Cascarino was far and away the best player of the match, scoring two goals and an assist. The French international now has two goals and three assists this year, which is a very impressive start to the new campaign.

Error that has San Diego Wave up 3-1. #SDWave pic.twitter.com/C8M9vzm8YA

— Francisco Velasco (@FranciscoEfV) April 19, 2025

San Diego controlled possession throughout the clash and were clearly the better team on the day. This was the Wave’s first road win of the season and now the second overall win in 2025. San Diego will play Chicago on the road on April 26 before returning to Snapdragon Stadium to host Bay FC on May 4.

Francisco Velasco

Francisco, 28, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego FC, San Diego Wave. I have covered Liga MX, MLS, Mexico National Team, USWNT, Copa América and European clubs like Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund.