The San Diego Wave are hitting the home stretch.
Before the National Women’s Soccer League’s most recent international break, the Wave had addressed several issues that plagued them earlier in the season — particularly their finishing. San Diego has scored 15 goals over its last seven matches while turning things around at home, winning four consecutive matches after struggling to find success at Snapdragon Stadium.
“That’s something that is really important for us,” Dali said of the team’s recent performances. “It’s obviously you need to have points, but performances will always bring you further at the end of the day. I think we’ve been working really well. We played some incredible football, and on top of that, we had to have this run of winning if we wanted to hope for (the) playoffs — and for titles.”
One key has been Dali. The 35-year-old native of Sainte-Colombe, France, has a goal and three assists this season while leading a resurgent Wave team into the playoffs. San Diego is 16-8-3 heading into Saturday’s match against the North Carolina Courage, good for second place in the NWSL standings.
“I’ve been here for two years and haven’t seen any team that played like us without sounding arrogant or anything,” Dali said. “I think we truly play the best football in the league.”
The emergence of Trinity Byars and Melanie Barcenas in the wake of injuries to other players has transformed San Diego’s starting lineup.
Byars caught fire around May, scoring multiple goals and establishing herself as one of the Wave’s most dangerous offensive weapons. She has recorded 10 goals and three assists in her first season, earning her first U.S. Women’s National Team call-up for the recent matches against Spain.
“I’m a big fan of Trinity,” Dali said.
Barcenas has also taken the next step in her development despite having just turned 18 years old. One of her biggest strengths is her ability to deliver in crucial moments. When the Wave need a goal, she has shown a knack for making game-changing plays.
“Mel, with the ability she has, like the technical ability, she can play with anyone,” Dali said. “She’s just really smart in her positioning, and then her capacity of shooting from distance, or even the pass she found, is special.”
Over the last four matches, Eidevall has relied on a midfield featuring Gia Corley, Kimmi Ascanio, Lia Godfrey and Dali, a group that has helped fuel the team’s four-match winning streak.
Midfield play can be the difference between winning and losing championships, and the Wave have developed one of the best units in the NWSL.
“This is something that we develop and work on a lot,” Dali explained. “It’s something now (where) we know each other really well. I know exactly what kind of players are surrounding me, and that’s super important. That’s how you win games. So I think to play in the San Diego Wave, you need to be a smart player. If you’re not really smart, you can’t play with us.”
Kenza Dali (10) and Brooklyn Courtnall (6) of the San Diego Wave FC and teammates celebrate after a goal against the North Carolina Courage at Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Meg McLaughlin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
The Wave have plenty of intelligent players, but their collective commitment on defense has been just as important to their recent success.
San Diego has allowed just seven goals over its last seven matches, going 6-1 in the process. Former FC Barcelona goalkeeper Sandra Paños has provided leadership and consistency between the posts, helping elevate the Wave’s defense after inconsistent goalkeeping performances earlier in the season.
“I think everyone commits to the defensive part and that’s why it’s really hard for another team to break us,” Dali said.
One of the biggest additions to the squad has been rookie right back Mimi Van Zanten, who has quickly established herself as one of the league’s most impressive young defenders.
A play against Washington roughly two months ago demonstrated her impact.
Van Zanten had pushed forward into the attacking half when the ball was played ahead to Trinity Rodman, who suddenly had an open path down the right side. Rodman had approximately a 15-yard head start, but Van Zanten sprinted back, caught up to her inside the Wave’s penalty area and poked the ball away.
It was the type of effort that has made Van Zanten such a valuable weapon on both ends of the field. Along with Paños, she has helped take San Diego’s defense to another level.
“I think for me, Mimi is a really, really big contender for Rookie of the Year with Lia (Godfrey),” Dali said. “People will say I’m biased, but I truly think that I don’t see any better rookie this year. People will talk about the rookie based on stats, but when you give a rookie of the year for me, it’s based off performances and how consistent you are.”
Van Zanten said the praise was “incredible to hear.”
“It was so easy to come in and work with these girls because we all have the same mindset and know what we need to do,” she said.
Three regular-season matches remain before the playoffs.
The Wave are looking to put pressure on first-place Gotham FC, which holds a four-point advantage, while also protecting their position near the top of the standings.
For Dali, the motivation goes beyond securing a favorable playoff position. The veteran midfielder won numerous trophies in Europe, but has yet to capture one in the United States.
“I want to win, and I haven’t won anything yet, so I’m happy and excited to start the playoffs,” Dali said. “It’s always an opportunity to win a trophy.”