Late goal gives Seattle a 2-1 win over San Diego, snapping the Wave’s unbeaten streak
San Diego Wave
Snapdragon Stadium- San Diego, California
Emeri Adames’ late goal lifts Seattle Reign FC 2-1 over San Diego Wave FC, snapping their six-game unbeaten streak at Snapdragon Stadium.
Despite having less possession, 62.7% to 37.3%, Seattle (5-2-4, 17 points) broke the tie in the 87th minute, silencing the San Diego (6-2-3, 20 points) crowd. This marked the Wave’s first loss since April 12.
“Seattle was really good defensively,” San Diego forward Delphine Cascarino said. “We tried to figure them out, but it was very difficult because they’re good.”
In their last match, San Diego closed out the month of May in dominant fashion, defeating North Carolina Courage 5-2. Adriana Leon netted a brace, while Maria Sanchez, Kristen McNabb, and Perle Morroni also scored. This was the most goals scored in club history.
The Wave remained unbeaten last month, entering tonight’s match on a six-game undefeated streak. Head Coach Jonas Eidevall was recognized as Coach of the Month for his impressive 3-0-1 record, during which the team outscored their opponents 9-4.
Trinity Armstrong, a 17-year-old defender, was named to the Best XI squad for May. She scored her first professional goal in stoppage time, leading the team to victory against Bay FC.
San Diego has scored 21 goals thus far this season (2nd most in the NWSL), while Seattle has allowed the third-fewest goals (9) in the league through 10 matches.
The young Kimmi Ascanio has emerged onto the scene with three goals, tied with the most on the team with Leon. Delphine Cascarino, Gia Corley, and Sanchez have two goals in 2025. 13 players have scored goals for San Diego this year. Cascarino leads the NWSL with four assists.
Eidevall’s squad is currently riding a wave of success, while the Reign have faced difficulties recently, securing only one win in their last three matches. They are coming off a 2-1 loss to the Washington Spirit. This season, the Reign have struggled offensively, managing to score only nine goals. Maddie Dahlien is the team’s leading scorer, with two goals.
Both teams had several players called up during the FIFA International Window. Seattle sent 12 players to represent their national teams. San Diego had nine players called up: Hanna Lundkvist (Sweden), Kyra Carusa (Republic of Ireland), Cascarino (France), Corley (Germany), Kennedy Wesley (United States), Kailen Sheridan (Canada), Leon (Canada), Sánchez (Mexico), and Daniela Arias (Colombia).
Eidevall noted after the game that both teams faced challenges in their preparations following the international break. He mentioned that players arrived on Tuesday and had limited time to train for today’s match. That may have played a factor in the lineup and rotations.
As the match started on Friday night, there was little action initially. Seven minutes in, Lundkvist lost possession inside their penalty area, but Sheridan managed to deflect the ball out of bounds. This granted Seattle their first corner kick of the game, which ultimately did not result in any scoring opportunities.
The Wave created a couple of chances, with Cascarino making a run down the right wing, but she was unable to convert. Seattle’s Lauren Barnes received a yellow card for tackling the French forward during a promising attack.
Through 15 minutes, neither team had a shot attempt.
A few moments later, Melanie Barcenas took a chance from outside the box that resulted in an easy save for Claudia Dickey. In the following possession, Barcenas found an open Leon inside the box, but the ball sailed wide left.
McNabb flashes her defensive skills with an exceptional challenge on the Reign attacker inside their territory. Just before halftime, Kenza Dali’s strong shot went well over the net.
The match was scoreless at the break. San Diego controlled the ball with 65% possession and held Seattle to zero shot attempts. To this point, the game flow feels as expected, with Seattle hyper-focused on defending and San Diego attempting to break the seal.
Six minutes into the second half, Seattle recorded its first shot attempt when Jordyn Bugg launched the ball from a distance. Two minutes later, the Reign received their second yellow card, this time given to midfielder Sally Menti.
Fifteen minutes into the second half, both teams made substitutions. Seattle brought on midfielder Samantha Meza and forward Lynn Biyendolo, while San Diego substituted in defender Wesley and forward Carusa.
Seattle completed five consecutive passes to find Menti, who took a single dribble and scored a stunning goal from outside the box in the 67th minute. The ball went into the bottom left corner, assisted by Lauren Barnes.
THE SEATTLE NATIVE SALLY MENTI 👑
She scores her first NWSL goal and what a beauty from distance 🚀
🎥 @NWSL pic.twitter.com/Ey9MowDoJp— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) June 7, 2025
In their limited opportunities, Seattle found the back of the net first. Now trailing, Eidevall subbed on more scoring power with Corley and Sanchez, and it paid dividends.
Sanchez walked up to take the corner kick, and the pass went straight to Cascarino. With a light tap to the head, San Diego equalized the game in the 75th minute. That was Cascarino’s third goal of the season.
Through 11 games, she is making the case for league MVP.
🗣️ CASCARINOOOO 🌊
Delphine’s towering header off the set piece levels the score!@NWSLpic.twitter.com/zq2VK3w51v
— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) June 7, 2025
Approaching the final minutes of regular time, Emeri Adames took the ball herself on a fast break. It was a 3v3 situation, and she created enough space to take a left-footed shot that went beyond the reach of the captain, Sheridan.
The incredible shot by Adames proved to be the game-winner in the 87th minute.
EMERI ADAMES ARE YOU KIDDING 🤯😱
She gives @reignfc the go ahead goal as the clock winds down 👀
🎥 @NWSLpic.twitter.com/HXQ8KVArfF— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) June 7, 2025
After the game, Armstrong commented on the team’s “relentlessness” down the stretch and believes their style of play is effective.
San Diego will look to bounce back as they travel to Houston next Friday, June 13, to face the 12th-seeded Dash (3-5-2, 11 points). Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00 P.M. PST.
