Kickoff: 5:45 PM PT (8:45 PM ET / 7:45 PM CT / 6:45 PM MT)
Venue: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, California (capacity ~35,000; natural grass surface)
Broadcast: ION
A Pacific Coast clash in Week 4 pits the surging San Diego Wave FC against a Chicago Stars FC side still searching for consistency. San Diego enters unbeaten in its last two outings with strong defensive metrics, while Chicago has shown flashes of attacking promise but sits lower in the early standings after a pair of road setbacks. This marks Chicago’s first visit to Snapdragon Stadium in 2026.
Venue & Weather Updates
Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego will host under classic late-March Southern California conditions. The latest forecast for kickoff and evening calls for clear to partly cloudy skies, temperatures in the mid-60s°F (around 62–68°F / 17–20°C) with light winds (5–10 mph from the west/northwest), low humidity (~50–65%), and zero chance of precipitation. The grass pitch should play fast and true, favoring technical, possession-oriented soccer with minimal weather impact—ideal for an open, end-to-end contest under the lights.
Team Recent Form
San Diego Wave FC (2-1-0, 6 pts, +2 GD): Strong start with multiple clean-sheet performances and balanced scoring.
Most recent: 2-1 road win vs. Utah Royals (March 22) – clinical finishing and defensive resolve.
Previous: Competitive results building early momentum.
Form: W W D (or equivalent early unbeaten stretch) – Attack clicking with multi-goal contributions; home dominance expected.
Chicago Stars FC (1-2-0, 3 pts, -6 GD): One win secured but defensive vulnerabilities exposed on the road.
Most recent: 2-1 win vs. Kansas City Current (March 22) – hard-fought result featuring key connections in attack.
Previous: Mixed road losses.
Form: W L L – Offensive sparks present but leaky backline a concern away from home.
Series History (Head-to-Head)
San Diego Wave FC dominates recent history: 6 wins to Chicago’s 3 across 9+ meetings, with the Wave winning the last several (including a 6-1 thrashing in one 2025 encounter). Games have trended high-scoring when San Diego hosts, though defensive lapses from Chicago have fueled blowouts. Chicago has struggled mightily at Snapdragon Stadium historically.
Injury Report
San Diego Wave FC
OUT: Trinity Byars (knee), Didi Haracic (knee), Adriana Leon (back), Trinity Armstrong (knee – SEI).
QUESTIONABLE: None.
INTERNATIONAL DUTY: None.
Chicago Stars FC
OUT: Kathy Hendrich (lower leg), Jordyn Huitema (hip), Natalia Kuikka (knee – SEI), Halle Mackiewicz (hand – D45), Mallory Swanson (maternity leave), Taylor Wood (knee).
QUESTIONABLE: None.
INTERNATIONAL DUTY: None.
Significant absences for both, particularly in Chicago’s defense and attack depth, which could exacerbate road struggles.
Key Player Matchups
San Diego Attack vs. Chicago Defense: Delphine Cascarino (league-leading assists early) and Kimmi Ascanio (multiple goals) lead the Wave’s dangerous front line. They’ll exploit Chicago’s depleted backline missing Kuikka, Hendrich, and Huitema. Look for set-piece threats and quick transitions.
Chicago Counter vs. San Diego Midfield/Defense: Ludmila (when healthy) and recent contributors like Julia Grosso provide Chicago’s spark. They’ll target any gaps left by San Diego’s high press, but limited personnel makes sustained pressure difficult.
Tactical Edge: Midfield control and goalkeeper battles (San Diego’s veteran stability vs. Chicago’s backup situation). San Diego’s home scoring volume vs. Chicago’s defensive absences points to a mismatch in transitions and set pieces.
Betting Trends
San Diego is 2-1-0 and dominant at home early; Chicago is 1-2-0 with poor road GD.
H2H heavily favors San Diego (multiple high-scoring home wins). Early NWSL unders appear in defensive clashes, but Chicago’s absences push overs in Snapdragon matchups. Public money heavily on the home favorite.
MATCH ODDS
Chicago Stars FC + 330
San Diego Wave – 150
Draw + 250
Over 2.5 – 110 Under 2.5 – 110
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, March 27, 2026
