Chicago Red Stars look to extend dominance as San Diego Wave fights for survival

This could be a seesaw battle when San Diego Wave host Chicago Red Stars because, on one side, the Wave are struggling desperately to survive the ups and downs of this season in the NWSL, while on the other side are the Red Stars, currently running hot with two back-to-back wins and trying to nail a place near the top. This is not just any ordinary game, as both teams have fantastic stories and stats to tell. So let's get into it!

Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter).

San Diego Wave: A Glimmer of Hope or Another Storm?

At 4-9-7 this season so far, the San Diego Wave has been having a pretty rough season; evidence is the streak of 12 winless games in regular play. Yet, their recent win against Utah Royals by 2-1 instilled some hope within the team. What a beginning! In the 27th second of the game, Delphine Cascarino ran down the flank and laid a perfect ball across, which Amirah Ali buried into the net. It's the fastest goal in club history; that does prove there is still some fight left in the team.

The seal on the second goal for San Diego was placed by one of the most talented players on the team, Cascarino, with an accurate shot. The win proved that even on tired legs and through the rough season, Wave isn't ready to give up just yet. But will this victory be enough to change their fortunes?

Chicago Red Stars: On the Rise and Ready for More

While San Diego struggles to find its path, Chicago Red Stars are in a completely different moment: with an 8-10-2 record, Chicago comes into this game after an important 1-0 victory over Portland Thorns. And the name of the moment is Ally Schlegel, who scored the only goal of the match and secured three precious points for the squad. That was Schlegel's fifth goal of the season, putting her in some elite company among Red Stars players who've reached that mark since 2021.

Chicago's defense has thrived with a solid offense to back it. The Red Stars have successfully shut out the Wave in their last two matches against San Diego Wave; thus being the only team that San Diego hasn't scored against since July 2023. And we know very well, a good back may be the key to secure victories consistently.

Head-to-Head: Who Comes Out on Top?

Historically, San Diego Wave has the edge in this matchup, 3-2-0 over the Red Stars. In the most recent meeting, though, Chicago dominated 3-0 at Snapdragon Stadium. The game started with an own goal but was followed by a beautiful play from Jameese Joseph, finding Mallory Swanson wide open to double the advantage. The cherry on top was Joseph scoring the third and final goal to seal a convincing win for Chicago.

This rich history puts San Diego in a tight corner. Will they find a way to break through the wall of defence that Chicago will mount, or will the Red Stars continue to stand tall and assert their dominance for a sweep over the Wave?

Decisive Moment: What's at Stake

This is an opportunity for Chicago Red Stars to maintain the rhythm and secure another three points at home, which would be very important as the season heads toward its final stretch. Firmly in this playoff race, a win here would place them in an even more comfortable position. On the other hand, matters are pretty much do-or-die for San Diego Wave. A loss could virtually end their playoff hopes, while a win may re-ignite those dreams.

That's what should make this collision so intriguing: Chicago has the air of a confident side on a good run of form, while San Diego has all the urgency of a side needing something, anything to happen now. This pressure can spill over into an emotional game full of intensity, and maybe even some surprises.