Lia Godfrey’s late goal gives San Diego a road win over Utah

Lia Godfrey’s late goal gives San Diego Wave FC its first win of the 2026 NWSL season, defeating Utah Royals 2-1 at America First Field. The rookie midfielder from the University of Virginia was brought on in the 59th minute and made the game-changing play.

San Diego capitalized on Utah’s red card in the 82nd minute, scoring the game-winner five minutes later. After being shut out in their first match of the season, the Wave scored twice.

Both teams lost their 2026 NWSL season opener this past weekend. A goal by former Wave forward Makenzy Robbe in the final moments of the first half decided the outcome at Snapdragon Stadium. San Diego controlled the match and had plenty of scoring opportunities, but lacked the finishing touch to equalize. Houston Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell put on a clinic, recording nine saves.

Kansas City defeated a visiting Utah squad 2-1 last Saturday. Tatum Milzazzo's goal in the 35th minute gave the Royals the lead. Croix Bethune and Ally Sentnor scored goals for the Current in the second half to secure the three points.

Jonas Eidevall made just one significant change to his startling XI. Leah Freeman got the start in goal over DiDi Haračić. Haračić had one save and allowed one goal against Houston. Ahead of the first match, the coach refused to name a starting goalkeeper. Luisa Agudelo is the third option on the roster.

Tonight was Freeman’s NWSL and professional debut.

Brazilian forwards Ludmila and Gabi Portilho made their Wave debut last week, and three players made their professional debuts: Lia Godfrey, Tatum Wyanalda, and Mimi Van Zanten.

Heading into Sunday night’s match, San Diego has defeated Utah in all four meetings.

San Diego’s high press resulted in the game's first goal. Ludmila closed in on a Royals defender, causing the ball to be deflected to an open Dudinha. She then scored with a right-footed shot that found the left side of the net in the 18th minute. This marked her sixth career goal for the Wave.

Dudinha was exceptional against Utah, contributing a total of six shots. She was by far the best player on the pitch. Sofascore gave her performance an 8.6/10 rating.

Royals Lara Prasnikar equalized the game in the 67th minute off an assist from Kiana Palacios. It was a missed opportunity for Freeman, who hesitated before diving to stop the ball.

In the final eight minutes of regulation, Tatumn Milazzo received her second yellow card, leaving Utah with 10 players—and that’s when the Wave capitalized.

San Diego completed multiple good passes to evade the opposing backline. Kenza Dali received a pass from Kimmi Ascanio, and Dali tapped it into the box to Godfrey, who put the ball inside the net—a big-time moment for a player who made her debut last week.

The match could’ve gone either way, but the visiting team prevailed. The possession was a 53/47 percentage split in favor of the Royals. The Wave had eight more shot attempts than Utah. Scoring twice is a confidence boost after not scoring in their home opener.

The club is also reportedly adding a star to their attack in Catarina Macario. The Chelsea FC forward is set to receive the largest total-value deal in the history of women’s professional soccer—a splash move for the Wave.

San Diego will play two games at Snapdragon Stadium this week. They will have a playoff rematch against the Portland Thorns FC on Wednesday, March 25. Then will host the Chicago Stars FC on Saturday.