Will Utah Royals’ home dominance destroy San Diego Wave’s playoff hopes?

The San Diego Wave are prepared to square off against the Utah Royals for the second time this season, and this game has all the makings of a real barnburner. With each side desperate to secure a place in the league playoffs, the outcome of this match could prove crucial to either campaign this term in the NWSL. The last meeting between San Diego Wave and Utah Royals ended in a 2-0 victory for the former in May, but a lot has taken place since then. A more confident Utah are seeking revenge this time around.

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Since that win, San Diego Wave has not found their rhythm. The team are under pressure for a comeback after an intense 4-1 loss to North Carolina Courage, while Utah is on the rise with no win in their last 12 regular season matches. The visitors come into this match with three straight home wins, not only confident but also backed by an offense that has scored 10 goals across those victories.

María Sánchez and the Need for a San Diego Wave Response

One of the important pieces to help turn things around in San Diego is forward María Sánchez, who recently nailed down his status as the best Mexican player in NWSL history in terms of goal contribution, with 28 direct involvements. She is going to be the focal point of their attack. In six of San Diego's last eight goals, María has either scored or assisted. Her skill and vision are what keep San Diego competitive amid the turbulence.

That loss was compounded by the fact that Alex Morgan, a professional soccer player, retired from the sport and took her final bow in their last outing against North Carolina Courage. Her impact is a big blow to them since the USWNT legend has been very instrumental in Wave's attack; her absence leaves a spot the team is yet to devise a way to fill. The San Diego side will now need to lean even more on players like Jaedyn Shaw and Makenzy Doniak as they try to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Utah Royals: An Attack Force to Reckon with, Consistent Home Performances

While that was going on, Utah Royals showed some incredible home strength in return. The team leads in many goals from outside the box, with the capability to surprise opponents with long-range shots being one of the biggest weapons. One of the top threats comes from Paige Monaghan, who has scored in three consecutive games, the most recent against the Houston Dash showed just how dangerous she can be in tight situations, beating defenders before classily slamming the ball into the net.

Though having scored in her last outing Utah's attack has had new life breathed into it with Bethany Balcer's arrival. Having not scored in their last outing, she brings much more to the pitch than goals, with her creativity opening up lanes for others. The team does have another player in Janine Beckie, quick and creative; she is one that may unlock the stingy San Diego defense.

Match History: Can San Diego Repeat Their Win?

The last time they faced off, San Diego won 2-0 with a penalty by Jaedyn Shaw, the other by Makenzy Doniak on a beautifully designed play. At the time, the California side was one that knew how to manage games, all so balanced and poised. That pendulum has swung, and the Mountain Royals have gotten better with each match.

Utah, which had been building momentum game after game, aims to seek revenge for their loss. Playing at home, in front of their fans, and with an in-form attack, the team has huge hunger for the win. Though they lost 1-0 to Kansas Current, Utah put up a good performance, keeping the highest-scoring offense in the NWSL to just one goal for almost the entirety of the match. The performance against Kansas City gives Utah all the confidence they need to know they can dominate San Diego and take three more points.

Match Expectation

This match will be quite thrilling and competitive at the same time since both are in desperate need of a win. San Diego Wave knows that they must bring a positive result so as to break their long winless streak, while Utah Royals come into the game confidently as they seek to keep their good home form running.

For Utah, though, it will be about sustaining the same effectiveness in finishing, especially outside the box, and cashing in on those defensive weaknesses that San Diego has shown so far. The mission is more simple for the Wave, though: find a new balance in attack and defence, and prove that they can still compete at the highest level, big star or not.