San Diego Wave targets second seed to secure home playoff match

San Diego Wave head coach Jonas Eidevall stated that the team needs a draw to secure the second seed in the National Women's Soccer League playoffs. The Wave, currently holding a 17-8-4 record, face Bay FC at Snapdragon Stadium with the standing of the top two teams still in flux. Eidevall noted that a victory would also apply pressure on Gotham FC, meaning the club controls much of its own playoff positioning.

The Wave entered the weekend with a five-game winning streak. A win against Boston Legacy would have locked in the second seed and offered a path to the top spot if Gotham FC dropped points against Utah. That scenario did not materialize. Washington Spirit, sitting at 16-9-4, now plays Chicago Stars, who are last in the standings and have not won in eight matches.

Bay FC holds a 7-16-6 record and sits in 14th place. The team beat the Wave 1-0 at Snapdragon Stadium on May 3. The tie-breaker rules favor Washington if both teams finish with 55 points, as the Spirit possess a superior goal differential. A Wave loss combined with a Spirit win over Chicago would result in that tie.

Gotham FC, the current league leader, must beat or draw with Utah Royals to keep the top seed. Utah has one win in its last five games and has been shut out in its last two. Gotham has lost only twice in its last 17 matches. A Wave win would force Gotham to play for the Supporters' Shield.

Defender Kristen McNabb described the recent schedule as resembling six finals due to the high stakes. The team aims to finish the regular season in the strongest possible position. Securing the top seed would give San Diego its second Supporters' Shield in five years of existence.

The top seed carries a specific risk. It could lead to a quarterfinal matchup against Seattle Reign. Seattle is the eighth seed and has won 10 of 14 all-time meetings against the Wave. The Reign lost only once in that series. A second seed avoids that early clash.

The Wave confirmed on Thursday that it will host a quarterfinal match at Snapdragon Stadium on November 6. This game could feature a No. 2 versus No. 3 matchup against Washington. The Spirit are unlikely to drop below fifth place, as that would require specific results from Los Angeles and Kansas City.

Eidevall emphasized the value of playing at home. A top-two finish ensures the team hosts a semifinal. The 2026 NWSL Championship is scheduled for November 21 at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. The Wave must manage their match against Bay FC to guarantee a home game in the next round.