SAN DIEGO — Boston Legacy FC snapped San Diego Wave FC’s five-game profitable streak with a shocking 73rd-minute equalizer, leading to a 2-2 draw at Snapdragon Stadium. The Wave stay in competition for the NWSL Protect heading into Determination Day.
San Diego (17-4-8, 55 factors) should defeat Bay FC subsequent Sunday, Nov. 1, whereas Gotham FC (17-7-5, 58 factors) should lose to the Utah Royals to complete tied on factors. The tiebreaker would then be purpose differential.
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After a scoreless first half, Boston’s Annie Karich opened the scoring within the forty eighth minute. San Diego responded with two targets in three minutes: Gia Corley equalized earlier than an personal purpose by Laís Araújo gave the Wave a 2-1 lead. Alba Caño then leveled the match with a rocket from outdoors the field.
Boston, which has struggled in its inaugural season, entered Sunday’s match with no playoff hopes after being eradicated from competition final month. The Legacy had been trying to construct momentum heading into subsequent season after profitable their earlier two matches. In the meantime, the second-place Wave had been pursuing their second NWSL Protect in 5 seasons.
Wave rookie midfielder Lia Godfrey scored within the thirty fifth minute, however her purpose was disallowed after a VAR evaluation decided she was narrowly offside, conserving the match scoreless.
San Diego Wave FC midfielder Lia Godfrey fights for the ball in opposition to Boston Legacy midfielder Bárbara Olivieri throughout an NWSL soccer recreation, Sunday, October 25, 2026 in San Diego, California.
Miguel Mota – The Sporting Tribune
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San Diego Wave FC midfielder Lia Godfrey fights for the ball in opposition to Boston Legacy midfielder Bárbara Olivieri throughout an NWSL soccer recreation, Sunday, October 25, 2026 in San Diego, California.
Jonas Eidevall’s squad managed a lot of the opening 45 minutes, holding 61% possession and recording two extra pictures than the Legacy at halftime. Boston’s protection held agency, however the Legacy capitalized on a chance three minutes into the second half.
After a brief nook, Sarah Schupansky despatched a cross right into a crowded penalty space that deflected off Sandra Paños’ glove. Karich was positioned close to the left submit and completed from point-blank vary to provide Boston the lead. It was her first purpose of the season.
It did not take lengthy for San Diego to reply.
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On a quick break, Wave ahead Melanie Barcenas carried the ball into the attacking third earlier than discovering Corley as she entered the left facet of the field. Corley took one contact earlier than sending a low shot beneath a defender and previous a diving goalkeeper. The ball struck the bottom-right submit and went in, tying the match within the 51st minute.
It was Corley’s fourth purpose of the season and her fifth purpose contribution up to now six matches. The attacking midfielder has continued to ship for San Diego throughout its late-season push. Barcenas now has 9 purpose contributions in 2026, with seven targets and two assists.
The Wave took the lead three minutes later.
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San Diego veteran midfielder Kenza Dali despatched a move throughout the field towards Trinity Byars. Araújo’s try and deny the ball was unsuccessful, and it deflected into her personal web, giving the Wave a 2-1 lead.
San Diego Wave FC ahead Trinity Byars (15) celebrates her purpose with teammates throughout an NWSL soccer recreation in opposition to Boston Legacy, Sunday, October 25, 2026 in San Diego, California.
Miguel Mota – The Sporting Tribune
San Diego Wave FC ahead Trinity Byars (15) celebrates her purpose with teammates throughout an NWSL soccer recreation in opposition to Boston Legacy, Sunday, October 25, 2026 in San Diego, California.
Had the rating held, San Diego would have completed the weekend tied with Gotham on factors. However Boston had different plans.
Caño unleashed a long-range strike that discovered the top-right nook to degree the match—a jaw-dropping purpose. Paños had little probability to react because the shot flew previous her. This was Caño’s fifth purpose of the season. Legacy midfielder Aleigh Gambone was credited with the help.
San Diego will journey to San Jose subsequent Sunday for a must-win match in opposition to Bay FC at PayPal Park, with an opportunity to say the NWSL Protect. Bay FC sits close to the underside of the standings with 27 factors and has gone winless in its final 4 matches. Karlie Lema, the 23-year-old ahead, leads her staff with eight targets this season.
