Makenzy Robbe scores against former club as Houston Dash beats San Diego Wave in 2026 opener
Robbe’s return shapes a tight result at Snapdragon Stadium
San Diego Wave FC opened the 2026 NWSL regular season with a 1–0 home loss to the Houston Dash on Saturday, March 14, at Snapdragon Stadium. The decisive moment came from Houston forward Makenzy Robbe, who scored against the club she represented for four seasons.
The match carried additional significance because it was the first regular-season contest on San Diego’s 2026 calendar and set the tone for an early stretch that includes an away match at Utah Royals FC on March 22, followed by two more home dates later in March.
How the decisive play unfolded
Houston’s margin came from a single goal, with Robbe providing the breakthrough against her former teammates. The scoreline left little room for error, and San Diego was unable to find an equalizer before full time.
Final: San Diego Wave FC 0, Houston Dash 1 — March 14, 2026, Snapdragon Stadium.
Robbe’s background with San Diego and move to Houston
Robbe joined Houston ahead of the 2026 season after establishing herself as a productive contributor during her time in San Diego. Across 82 regular-season appearances for the Wave, she totaled 10 goals and five assists. Her move to the Dash set up an immediate narrative in the opener: a former Wave attacker playing a central role in Houston’s first result of the new campaign.
What the opener indicates for both clubs
For Houston, winning on the road to start the season provides a direct early boost in a league where small margins often decide results. For San Diego, the opener underscored the importance of efficiency in front of goal, with the team held scoreless despite playing at home in the first match of the year.
San Diego begins the season with a home defeat and will look to respond in its next fixtures.
Houston starts 2026 with an away win, powered by a goal from a recent signing.
San Diego’s schedule continues quickly, and the Wave will have an immediate opportunity to recalibrate as the season’s opening weeks unfold.