San Diego Wave keep NWSL Shield hopes alive with draw against Boston

SAN DIEGO — Boston Legacy FC snapped San Diego Wave FC’s five-game winning streak with a stunning 73rd-minute equalizer, resulting in a 2-2 draw at Snapdragon Stadium. The Wave remain in contention for the NWSL Shield heading into Decision Day.

San Diego (17-4-8, 55 points) must defeat Bay FC next Sunday, Nov. 1, while Gotham FC (17-7-5, 58 points) must lose to the Utah Royals to finish tied on points. The tiebreaker would then be goal differential.

After a scoreless first half, Boston’s Annie Karich opened the scoring in the 48th minute. San Diego responded with two goals in three minutes: Gia Corley equalized before an own goal by Laís Araújo gave the Wave a 2-1 lead. Alba Caño then leveled the match with a rocket from outside the box.

Boston, which has struggled in its inaugural season, entered Sunday’s match with no playoff hopes after being eliminated from contention last month. The Legacy were looking to build momentum heading into next season after winning their previous two matches. Meanwhile, the second-place Wave were pursuing their second NWSL Shield in five seasons.

Wave rookie midfielder Lia Godfrey scored in the 35th minute, but her goal was disallowed after a VAR review determined she was narrowly offside, keeping the match scoreless.

Miguel Mota – The Sporting Tribune

San Diego Wave FC midfielder Lia Godfrey fights for the ball against Boston Legacy midfielder Bárbara Olivieri during an NWSL soccer game, Sunday, October 25, 2026 in San Diego, California.

Jonas Eidevall’s squad controlled much of the opening 45 minutes, holding 61% possession and recording two more shots than the Legacy at halftime. Boston’s defense held firm, but the Legacy capitalized on an opportunity three minutes into the second half.

After a short corner, Sarah Schupansky sent a cross into a crowded penalty area that deflected off Sandra Paños’ glove. Karich was positioned near the left post and finished from point-blank range to give Boston the lead. It was her first goal of the season.

It didn’t take long for San Diego to respond.

On a fast break, Wave forward Melanie Barcenas carried the ball into the attacking third before finding Corley as she entered the left side of the box. Corley took one touch before sending a low shot underneath a defender and past a diving goalkeeper. The ball struck the bottom-right post and went in, tying the match in the 51st minute.

It was Corley’s fourth goal of the season and her fifth goal contribution in the past six matches. The attacking midfielder has continued to deliver for San Diego during its late-season push. Barcenas now has nine goal contributions in 2026, with seven goals and two assists.

The Wave took the lead three minutes later.

San Diego veteran midfielder Kenza Dali sent a pass across the box toward Trinity Byars. Araújo’s attempt to deny the ball was unsuccessful, and it deflected into her own net, giving the Wave a 2-1 lead.

Miguel Mota – The Sporting Tribune

San Diego Wave FC forward Trinity Byars (15) celebrates her goal with teammates during an NWSL soccer game against Boston Legacy, Sunday, October 25, 2026 in San Diego, California.

Had the score held, San Diego would have finished the weekend tied with Gotham on points. But Boston had other plans.

Caño unleashed a long-range strike that found the top-right corner to level the match—a jaw-dropping goal. Paños had little chance to react as the shot flew past her. This was Caño’s fifth goal of the season. Legacy midfielder Aleigh Gambone was credited with the assist.

San Diego will travel to San Jose next Sunday for a must-win match against Bay FC at PayPal Park, with a chance to claim the NWSL Shield. Bay FC sits near the bottom of the standings with 27 points and has gone winless in its last four matches. Karlie Lema, the 23-year-old forward, leads her team with eight goals this season.