Chicago Stars vs. San Diego Wave: A Highly Anticipated NWSL Showdown
SAN DIEGO – San Diego Wave FC is set to make history this weekend, hosting the Chicago Stars FC in its 100th regular season match on Saturday night at Snapdragon Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:45 p.m. PT, and the game will be broadcast on the Ion Television Network for fans unable to attend in person.
Wave Riding High on Momentum
The Wave enters this contest with significant momentum, having secured back-to-back victories this week. A hard-fought 2-1 road win against the Utah Royals last Sunday was followed by an impressive 3-1 triumph over the Portland Thorns on Wednesday night. These wins demonstrate the team’s resilience and attacking prowess.
Chicago Looking to Rebound
Meanwhile, the Chicago Stars are aiming to bounce back after a 3-0 defeat to Orlando Pride on Wednesday. Prior to that setback, the Stars had enjoyed a strong run of form, earning a 2-1 victory over Kansas City Current and extending their home unbeaten streak to nine matches. This highlights their strength when playing at home, making their trip to San Diego a challenging one.
Historical Dominance & Key Players
Historically, San Diego has dominated matchups against Chicago, winning both encounters during the 2025 season with an aggregate score of 9-1. The Wave will be looking to continue this trend on Saturday.
Wave officials have highlighted several players to watch. Maria Eduarda Rodrigues Silva – affectionately known as Dudinha – and Lia Godfrey have both been finding the back of the net consistently in recent matches. Melanie Barcenas also made a significant impact coming off the bench in the team’s last game and is expected to contribute.
Welcome Home, Catarina Macario!
This weekend’s match will also mark the formal introduction of United States Women’s National Team forward Catarina Macario, who recently transferred to the Wave from Chelsea FC. “We’re thrilled to welcome Cat home to San Diego,” said Wave Sporting Director and General Manager Camille Ashton. “Cat is a world-class player who has consistently performed at the highest levels of the game.”
Macario has signed a contract through the 2030 season under the NWSL’s new High Impact Player Rule, representing one of the largest contracts in women’s soccer history. “I’m really excited to join San Diego Wave FC and begin this next chapter of my career at home in San Diego,” said Macario. “This city has played such an important role in my journey, and the opportunity to come back and represent it means a lot to me.”
How to Watch & Get Tickets
Tickets for Saturday’s milestone match are available for purchase online. Don’t miss the chance to witness this exciting NWSL showdown!
For more information on the NWSL, visit the official NWSL website.
