In a matchup between two playoff-caliber squads, the Washington Spirit and San Diego Wave FC battled to a scoreless draw Sunday night at Snapdragon Stadium. The result marked the fourth consecutive draw between the sides and showcased just how evenly matched they’ve become over the past year.
From the opening whistle, San Diego dominated possession—finishing the match with over 65% control and 16 total shots—but it was Washington’s Aubrey Kingsbury who defined the game. The veteran keeper racked up six saves, including multiple diving stops and a pair of crucial second-half interventions, frustrating Wave forwards all evening.
Despite the lopsided shot tally, Washington’s compact shape in a 4-2-3-1 formation allowed them to contain the Wave’s attack and prevent clean looks inside the box. San Diego’s best chance came early, with María Sánchez nearly converting a flicked corner, but it drifted just over the bar.
Spirit’s defense remained composed even as the Wave pressed harder after the break. Kingsbury denied Kimmi Ascanio’s header and a dangerous late strike from Danielle Colaprico, cementing her place as the player of the match.
San Diego’s Gia Corley earned the game’s only yellow card, while Washington picked up three of their own in a physical midfield battle. Neither team found enough rhythm in the final third to break the deadlock.
With the result, San Diego finishes the first half of the season with 24 points from 13 games—matching their best-ever start—while Washington moves to 7-4-2, good for fourth place in the NWSL standings.
This match served as Washington’s final outing before the league-wide summer break. Head coach Jonatan Giráldez was absent due to personal reasons, leaving assistant coach Adrián González to manage from the sidelines. His squad responded with disciplined, focused soccer.
Washington will resume league play on August 3 when they host the Portland Thorns at Audi Field. If this match was any indication, the Spirit are more than ready for the season’s back half—with Kingsbury anchoring their charge.
