Dudinha lifted her hands to form a heart as Snapdragon Stadium erupted in joy — a fitting celebration for a brace that sealed the San Diego Wave’s long-awaited return to the playoffs.
The Wave dominated Chicago Stars FC 6-1 to clinch their first postseason berth since 2023. The six goals marked a franchise record for a single game.
Saturday night was monumental for soccer in San Diego, but it may also have signaled the birth of a new star in Dudinha.
“Sometimes it takes players a little bit of an adjustment period to adapt to this league — clearly not her,” center back Kristen McNabb said. “She is like a little cheat code for us. It is really fun to watch her play.”
She was a menace on the left flank all game long, and no matter how many defenders Chicago threw at her, she found ways to make an impact.
Jonas Eidevall’s club had not won at home since May 25, when they beat North Carolina 5-2, but they picked the perfect time to end that drought — a playoff-clinching victory.
“Definitely the way that we wanted to finish off the season at home,” Eidevall said.
San Diego Wave FC players cheer after defeating the Chicago Stars and securing a spot in the postseason at Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Meg McLaughlin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
The Wave had struggled to find the back of the net just a couple of weeks ago, but that changed six games ago when Dudinha was inserted into the starting lineup against Gotham FC. Since then, San Diego’s attack has looked rejuvenated — more aggressive and more balanced, with a left winger as dangerous as the winger on the right, who is Delphine Cascarino.
“Dudinha is an amazing player already,” midfielder Kenza Dali said. “She is the kind of player that loves 1v1. When she has the ball you can tell her first intention is to create something. She is playing without any fear.”
Kenza Dali #10 of San Diego Wave FC smiles during their match against the Chicago Stars at Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Meg McLaughlin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
In the eighth minute, Dudinha received the ball on the left side of the box. She showed patience, cut inside, and fired a shot that was blocked by Chicago goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher. The rebound, however, fell perfectly for Cascarino, who buried it for a 1-0 lead.
The connection between Hanna Lundkvist and Cascarino shone again in the 15th minute. Lundkvist pressed high, won possession, and sent the ball forward to Cascarino. As she drove upfield, her attempted cross deflected off Chicago defender Sam Staab, looping into the net for an own goal and a 2-0 San Diego lead.
Just three minutes later, in the 18th minute, Dudinha took on three Chicago defenders, muscled her way through, and fired a low shot to the far post — the same move she’d tried earlier — giving San Diego a 3-0 advantage.
“It’s never a given that she can do that as quickly as she has been able to do,” Eidevall said. “So, that’s very impressive.”
Right before halftime, Dali delivered a pinpoint free kick to the back post, where McNabb headed home the Wave’s fourth goal of the half.
San Diego led 4-0 at halftime — and didn’t slow down.
In the 57th minute, a lively sequence between Lundkvist and forward Kimmi Ascanio opened space in the box. Ascanio’s shot was blocked, then Gia Corley’s follow-up was also denied. But the ball fell to Dudinha, who smashed it toward goal; it deflected off a Chicago defender’s knee and into the back of the net. The 20-year-old now has four goals in her last four matches.
“I’m not that surprised with how successful she is because we had a role that was very much designed for her capabilities, because that was what we were looking for when we were looking for a player in that role,” Eidevall said.
Taylor Malham #32 of Chicago Stars and Dudinha #88 of San Diego Wave FC battle for control of the ball at Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Meg McLaughlin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Even Wave legend Alex Morgan stood and applauded Dudinha’s effort.
In the 84th minute, Dudinha again drove down the left flank before being double-teamed. She slipped a pass to Adriana Leon, who found Kenza Dali near the top of the box. Dali’s strike went near post for San Diego’s sixth goal — only the 13th time in NWSL history that a team has scored six in a game.
In the 91st minute, Dudinha was subbed off to a standing ovation. Eidevall raised his hands in applause as Snapdragon Stadium gave the young star a well-deserved cheer.
Just a few matches ago, Eidevall’s squad was in danger of missing the playoffs. But the emergence of Dudinha — and the urgency with which the team has played — has completely changed their trajectory.
Chicago may be a two-win team, but these were the types of games San Diego struggled with earlier in the season, often drawing or losing after international breaks. This blowout win came at the perfect time, giving the Wave crucial momentum heading into the postseason.
San Diego closes out the regular season on November 2 against NWSL standings leader Kansas City Current after this international break.
“It was really nice tonight, but let’s not get carried away,” Eidevall said. “Let’s stand with our feet on the ground. So far, we have achieved to go to the playoffs. That’s great, but now it’s about making the most out of that opportunity, and that’s what we need. Everyone’s commitment combined.”
Originally Published: October 18, 2025 at 10:17 PM PDT