San Diego Wave overpower NC Courage with HISTORIC five-goal performance

May 25, 2025 — NWSL — (Foto: Jochesports)

What a night, San Diego Wave delivered one of their most dominant performances of the season, defeating North Carolina Courage 5–2 at Snapdragon Stadium in Round 10 of the NWSL. Adriana Leon starred with a brace and an assist, earning Player of the Match honors with an 8.4 rating.

Wave’s attack clicked early as P. Morroni opened the scoring in the 24th minute. Adriana Leon doubled the lead with a quick-fire brace in the 40th and 60th minutes, and K. McNabb added the fourth with a powerful finish just three minutes later. NC Courage responded with goals from F. Rauch in the 12th minute and M. Matsukubo at the 51-minute mark, but their momentum was short-lived. In the final moments, M. Sánchez put the game beyond reach with a clinical finish in stoppage time (90+5’), sealing the 5–2 result.

Statistically, San Diego edged possession (53%) and completed 534 passes to NC’s 472. Both sides registered 4 big chances, but the Wave proved far more efficient in front of goal. Defensively, San Diego committed fewer fouls (6 vs. 13) and showed composure throughout the midfield battle.

The win marks five games unbeaten for Wave (4W, 1D), reinforcing their spot inside the top four with 20 points. NC Courage, who had previously won their last two meetings against San Diego, struggled to contain the tempo and suffered their second loss in five matches.San Diego now looks ahead to their upcoming fixtures with confidence, having scored 11 goals in their last three games. With the attacking trio firing and Snapdragon Stadium turning into a fortress, the Wave are building serious momentum toward the postseason.