San Diego Wave defeats Portland Thorns 3-1 at Snapdragon Stadium for second straight victory

Wave extends early-season momentum with efficient finishing and quick-start pressure

San Diego Wave FC defeated the Portland Thorns 3-1 at Snapdragon Stadium on March 26, 2026, securing a second consecutive win and handing Portland its first loss of the new NWSL regular season. The result continued a rebound for the Wave after opening the campaign with a 1-0 home defeat to the Houston Dash on March 14.

The match turned early on decisive moments in both penalty areas. San Diego struck in the second minute when Dudinha finished a move assisted by Gia Corley, immediately forcing Portland into a response pattern that included set-piece pressure and repeated attempts to equalize through direct attacks.

First-half goals set the match’s shape

Portland leveled quickly in the eighth minute through Pietra Tordin, restoring balance after the Wave’s early breakthrough. San Diego regained the lead in the 27th minute when Lia Godfrey scored with an assist from Dudinha, putting the Wave ahead 2-1 and shifting the match toward Portland chasing the game for the remaining hour.

Portland generated several sequences from corners and sustained pressure phases, including multiple set pieces taken by Deyna Castellanos and Olivia Moultrie. However, the Thorns were unable to find a second goal before halftime, and the Wave carried their advantage into the break.

Second-half management and a late strike provide separation

The second half featured Portland pushing for an equalizer and San Diego looking to exploit space in transition. Portland made early adjustments after the interval, and the match included a physical edge reflected in second-half cautions, including a yellow card shown to San Diego’s P. Morroni and another to Portland’s Olivia Moultrie.

San Diego added breathing room late. Substitute Melanie Barcenas scored in the 82nd minute to make it 3-1, delivering the final margin and allowing the Wave to close the match with a two-goal cushion.

Key performers and what the win signals

• Dudinha: 1 goal and 1 assist, directly involved in San Diego’s first two goals.
• Lia Godfrey: scored the eventual game-winner in the 27th minute.
• Melanie Barcenas: scored as a substitute in the 82nd minute to seal the result.
• Pietra Tordin: scored Portland’s lone goal in the eighth minute.

Final score: San Diego Wave FC 3, Portland Thorns FC 1 (March 26, 2026, Snapdragon Stadium).

For San Diego, the performance combined early attacking intent with decisive execution in key moments. For Portland, the match marked a setback after a season-opening 1-0 win at Washington on March 13, with the Thorns’ response goal arriving quickly but not followed by the finishing needed to change the outcome.