On May 24, the San Diego Wave (8-1-4) lost 1-0 to the Orlando Pride (5-2-5) in their final home game before the midseason break. While the Wave were successful in efforts to stop ever-clinical Pride striker Barbra Banda, a slow one-hop shot from Pride midfielder Nicole Payne gave Orlando three crucial points as the league prepares to wind down for June.

It was a disappointing send-off for the Wave, who, despite being atop the NWSL leaderboard, have struggled at home this season. San Diego has lost three of its six home games so far and secured only 9 of 18 possible points in America’s Finest City.

San Diego started the first half on the front foot as it pushed for an opening goal. A crucial chance in the 33rd minute ended in nothing for the Wave, as midfielder Lia Godfrey was denied from point-blank range on a second-chance effort. Minutes later, Wave winger Gia Corley got a crack at goal, lining up a shot from outside the box that went straight to the hands of Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse.

Payne opened the scoring on the ensuing Pride possession. A long ball from Orlando winger Luana would get deflected to Payne outside of the box, who calmly lofted it past the hands of Wave keeper DiDi Haracic and into the net. The goal was Payne’s first of her professional career.

After halftime, the Wave struggled to get past the Pride defense in their quest to find an equalizer. In the 86th minute, a cross from defender Kristen McNabb found winger Gabi Portilho, whose header went wide left. A stoppage time free kick presented a final chance for the Wave to break through, but winger Melanie Barcenas’ attempt was scooped up by Moorhouse, and the Pride hung on for a 1-0 win.

San Diego came back to its winning ways on May 31, defeating the Chicago Stars 2-0. Heading into the June break, the Wave remain atop the NWSL leaderboard, with the Utah Royals a point behind with a game in hand.