As the sun sets over Snapdragon Stadium on May 25, 2025, soccer fans are in for a thrilling NWSL showdown between two of the league’s most in-form teams: the San Diego Wave FC and the North Carolina Courage. With both sides riding impressive unbeaten streaks, this matchup promises high stakes, tactical brilliance, and a showcase of rising stars .
The Stakes
San Diego Wave FC enters this game sitting comfortably in second place with a 5-2-2 record (17 points), just five points ahead of the ninth-place Courage (3-3-3, 12 points). While the standings suggest a gap, the Courage’s recent resurgence—four games unbeaten—has injected momentum into their campaign. Meanwhile, the Wave’s five-game unbeaten run, including a gritty 1-0 win over Gotham FC, underscores their resilience and defensive solidity . Historically, this rivalry is evenly balanced: the regular-season head-to-head record stands at 2-2-2, with North Carolina narrowly edging the last encounter 2-1 in October 2024 .
San Diego’s Home Fortress
Playing at Snapdragon Stadium has been a mixed blessing for the Wave this season. While they’ve lost only one of four home games, their most recent outing here ended in a 1-1 draw against the Portland Thorns. However, the team’s tactical discipline under first-year head coach Jonas Eidevall has been a revelation. San Diego leads the league in possession and passing accuracy, orchestrated by their French midfield trio of Delphine Cascarino, Kenza Dali, and Perle Morroni .
The Wave’s attack is spearheaded by 17-year-old phenom Kimmi Ascanio, who has already notched three goals and an assist this season. Her recent heroics—a game-winning strike against Gotham FC—made her the youngest player in NWSL history to score in consecutive matches. Alongside veterans like María Sánchez and Adrianna Leon, Ascanio’s fearlessness in front of goal will test North Carolina’s backline .
North Carolina’s Resurgence
The Courage, meanwhile, have found their rhythm after a shaky start. A 2-0 victory over the Chicago Stars highlighted their attacking depth, with midfielder Manaka Matsukubo stealing the spotlight. Her brace in that match earned her NWSL Player of the Week honors, and her partnership with Ashley Sanchez (two goals this season) adds creativity to their frontline .
Defensively, the Courage rely on goalkeeper Casey Murphy, whose 41 career clean sheets are a league best since her 2019 debut. Her ability to command the box and make clutch saves—like her recent penalty stop against Chicago—could prove decisive in a tight contest . Head coach Sean Nahas has opted for consistency in his lineup, making just one change from last week’s winning XI: Feli Rauch returns from injury, replacing Tyler Lussi at wingback .
Key Storylines
- Jaedyn Shaw’s Homecoming: Midfielder Jaedyn Shaw, traded to the Courage this offseason, faces her former team for the first time. Though she’s yet to score for North Carolina, her familiarity with San Diego’s system adds intrigue to the midfield battle .
- Military Appreciation Night: The Wave will honor military personnel during the match, adding emotional weight to the occasion .
- Unbeaten Streaks on the Line: Both teams aim to extend their runs—San Diego’s five-game streak vs. North Carolina’s four—making this a potential turning point in their seasons .
Tactical Battles
San Diego’s possession-heavy style will clash with North Carolina’s aggressive pressing. The Courage’s 3-4-3 formation, featuring Rauch and Ryan Williams as wingbacks, aims to overload the flanks and create crossing opportunities for Sanchez and Matsukubo. Conversely, the Wave’s reliance on quick transitions—led by Cascarino’s dribbling and Morroni’s pinpoint crosses—could exploit gaps in the Courage’s defense .
Prediction
This match is a coin toss. San Diego’s home advantage and Ascanio’s red-hot form give them an edge, but North Carolina’s defensive discipline and Murphy’s goalkeeping prowess could neutralize the Wave’s attack. Expect a tightly contested 2-1 victory for the Wave, with Ascanio adding another milestone to her budding career .
Final Thoughts
As the NWSL season heats up, this clash between San Diego and North Carolina epitomizes the league’s competitive spirit. Whether you’re tuning in for Ascanio’s brilliance, Matsukubo’s flair, or simply a nail-biting contest, Sunday’s game is a must-watch. Don’t miss it live on CBS Sports Network at 7:00 p.m. PT .
