Gia Corley brings the ball upfield in San Diego Wave’s 1-0 loss in the NWSL Quarterfinal against the Utah Royals.(Emmanuel Alonso/Sandiego.futbol)
San Diego Wave’s impressive 2026 NWSL season has come to an end following a 1-0 loss against the Utah Royals at home in front of an announced crowd of 12,638. The defeat marks the third time the Wave have been knocked out in a 1-0 loss, and the second straight season that the Wave have lost in that fashion.
“We’re obviously very disappointed with the result and also with our performance here,” Head Coach Jonas Eidevall said. “This was not the ending that we envisioned that we had coming in for the season knowing that we can beat any team, but this is what this playoff is. We can also lose against any team if you’re not having your best day.”
San Diego entered the match in top form on a seven-match unbeaten streak, but were without one of their star midfielders, Kimmi Ascanio, who picked up an injury in the Wave’s final match of the season. Meanwhile, Utah hadn't scored in their last 301 minutes, and also faced injury concerns from their top stars including Mina Tanaka.
The strong form was present in the first half as the Wave created many solid scoring chances, but could not find the back of the net.
The Wave came out strong to start the half with their signature high-paced pressure, but were unable to convert any of their various scoring opportunities.
The goal was defended well by the Royals goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn who made multiple difficult diving saves to keep Lia Godfrey and Melanie Barcenas off the scoresheet.
The Royals scored the lone goal of the night in the 30th minute following a quick buildup through the right wing before finding Utah Forward Kiana Palacios open inside the box. The former Club America star took one touch to control the pass, then shot it right through Kristen McNabb’s legs, and to the far post far from Palacios’ former teammate, Wave goalkeeper Sandra Panos to make it 1-0.
“I don’t think we deserved to win. (Utah) deserved it. I can’t say (that.) I’m sitting here out of the playoffs that would be disrespectful… Congratulations to them,” Wave co-captain Kenza Dali said. “They won tonight, if they won it means they deserve it. Statistics, shots on target, possession doesn’t mean anything at the end of the day. They scored the goal that they needed to score. We didn’t and we’re out.”
The San Diego Wave attack became desperate in the second half, while Utah did not waiver, and instead sat comfortably in a low block making it very difficult for the Wave to create strong scoring chances.
“I choose to see the positive and optimistic things from the season. I refuse to let this game define our season, even if it hurts so much now,” Eidevall said. “Our season has been a beautiful season, and the players deserve to be celebrated for that.”
The rest of the NWSL Quarterfinals continue this weekend, and the Utah Royals will continue on the road to face the victor of a Sunday matchup between the Washington Spirit and the Portland Thorns.
The next time Wave will be in action in front of the public will be in ahead of the 2027 NWSL season in February in the Coachella Valley Invitational.
