The San Diego Wave opened the 2026 NWSL season with a 1-0 loss to Houston Dash at Snapdragon Stadium on March 14. This defeat is the Wave’s only loss so far this season, as the team went on to win its next four matches.

Houston ramped up the pressure in the first half, taking a shot from just inside the penalty box in the 27th minute. The ball bounced off the post before Houston midfielder Linda Ullmark played it back toward the goal. Houston forward Kate Faasse took a second-chance shot from just inside the six-yard box, but goalkeeper DiDi Haračić denied Faasse to keep the Dash scoreless.

During first-half stoppage time, Wave forward Dudinha drilled a shot to the Houston goalkeeper, who saved the would-be opening goal. Houston, however, didn’t feel the pressure. Just over a minute later, Houston midfielder Maggie Graham chipped a long-range shot from her side to the penalty box. Houston forward Makenzy Robbe chased it down, beating her defender and Haračić to put the ball in the bottom left corner of the net and forge a 1-0 lead for the Dash going into the break.

The Wave remained unresponsive throughout the second frame, with their best chances coming from forward Ludmila. In the 63rd minute, Ludmila sent a shot on goal, but was denied by the Houston goalkeeper, who stretched out a hand to parry it above the net. Ludmila made two more solid attempts as the clock expired, but her efforts were no good. The Wave dropped their home opener 1-0.

Since the defeat, the Wave have won four straight games, the latest coming on April 3 against expansion side Boston Legacy. The Wave now sit at the top of the table, 2 points clear of second-place Portland Thorns.

The Wave and Dash will face each other for a rematch of the season opener on May 20 in Houston.