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San Diego Wave's season ends with 2-1 loss to Kansas City Current

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Monday, November 3rd 2025 at 0:37 GMT by Times of San Diego
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San Diego Waves End Season with 2‑1 Loss to Kansas City Current

The San Diego Waves’ 2025 NWSL campaign concluded on a bittersweet note after a 2‑1 defeat to the Kansas City Current on Sunday, November 2. The match, played at the Waves’ home venue, saw the Current take an early lead, but the Waves pushed back to stay within touch before the visiting side sealed victory with a late goal. With the loss, the Waves finish the season with a record that keeps them outside playoff contention, while the Current continue to solidify their position in the Western Conference.

Game Summary

Kansas City struck first in the 13th minute when striker Alia McDonald converted a close‑range header from a corner kick. The Current’s offensive prowess was on display from the outset, with Lissette Mendoza creating space and delivering a precise cross that led to the first goal.

The Waves answered in the 32nd minute as forward Olivia Moultrie sliced past the defense and fired a low shot past goalkeeper Gwen Dela Cruz. Moultrie’s quick transition and composure under pressure earned her a spot in the match‑day squad’s top performers.

In the 67th minute, the Current’s midfielder Hannah Lee found the net from the edge of the box, putting the score to 2‑1. Lee’s vision and passing accuracy were highlighted as the decisive factor in the victory. The Waves’ midfield struggled to maintain possession, and defensive lapses allowed the Current to capitalize on counter‑attacks.

The Waves’ final attempts to level the score were limited to a single penalty miss by Moultrie in the 88th minute, which was saved by Lee in a one‑on‑one situation. The match ended with the Current holding on for the win, a result that confirms their position as a top contender in the West.

Coach and Player Reactions

Waves head coach Dan Marshall reflected on the season’s challenges: “We had an excellent run of form in the middle of the season, but the late‑season fixtures proved tough. Our defense was tested, and we will focus on tightening up those areas as we prepare for next year.”

Current coach Marina Rios praised her team’s resilience: “We had a fantastic group that pushed us forward. The goal we scored in the final minutes was a testament to our experience and teamwork. We’re proud of how we finished the season.”

Player Moultrie spoke of the disappointment but also the learning experience: “It’s hard to lose, especially at home, but we had moments where we could have won. We’ll take that into the off‑season and work on improving our set‑piece defense.”

Season Context

The Waves ended the season with a record of 8 wins, 8 losses, and 6 draws, placing them 9th overall in the league. Their offensive output—45 goals scored—ranked them 5th in the NWSL, but defensive statistics (27 goals conceded) left them outside playoff qualification. The Waves announced a mid‑season roster overhaul, bringing in a new defensive midfielder and re‑negotiating contracts for key strikers.

Kansas City Current finished the season with 11 wins, 5 losses, and 6 draws, securing 2nd place in the Western Conference and an automatic playoff berth. The Current’s high‑scoring approach proved effective, and their defensive solidity was highlighted as the main reason for their success.

Additional Context from Follow‑up Links

A detailed match report on the official NWSL website underscores the tactical battle between the two sides. It notes that the Current’s pressing strategy forced early turnovers, while the Waves’ counter‑attack strategy was hampered by a lack of depth in the midfield.

The Waves’ own club page provides an in‑depth analysis of the season’s performance, highlighting key injuries that plagued the squad during the latter months. The article also mentions the upcoming pre‑season schedule, which includes friendlies against a local college team and a friendly against the California State University women's team.

The Current’s club page offers a player spotlight on Hannah Lee, whose performance in this match earned her “Player of the Match” honors. Lee’s background as a former youth national team player is noted, along with her contributions to the Current’s recent defensive record.

Looking Ahead

The Waves’ organization has already announced plans to expand the youth academy and increase scouting in the Southern California region. Assistant coach Jennifer Park highlighted the need for a deeper midfield rotation to better manage fixture congestion.

Kansas City Current will look to maintain momentum heading into the playoffs, with the head coach emphasizing the importance of rest for key players before the postseason matches.

For both teams, the 2025 season provided a mix of triumphs and setbacks. While the Waves fell short of playoff qualification, the experience will be a building block for the next campaign. The Current, buoyed by a strong finish, are poised to make a deep playoff run, aiming to capture their first NWSL championship.

About the San Diego Waves

Founded in 2020, the San Diego Waves have rapidly become a staple of the NWSL landscape. Their home stadium, the Torrey Pines Soccer Stadium, hosts an average attendance of 3,500 fans per match. The club prides itself on community outreach, hosting soccer clinics for youth players and partnering with local charities to promote health and fitness.

About Kansas City Current

The Kansas City Current joined the NWSL in 2020 and have since established themselves as a competitive force. Their commitment to player development and community involvement mirrors the growth of the league’s overall culture of inclusion and athletic excellence.

Conclusion

The 2‑1 loss to Kansas City Current ended the Waves’ season on a challenging note, but it also offered a clear roadmap for improvement. With a focus on defensive solidity and squad depth, the Waves aim to re‑enter playoff contention next season. Meanwhile, the Current’s momentum and strategic depth set the stage for a deep playoff push, leaving fans eager for the next chapter in both clubs’ histories.