Chicago Red Stars W vs San Diego Wave W Prediction: Key Insights and Betting Tips

Chicago Red Stars W welcome San Diego Wave W to SeatGeek Stadium for a crucial NWSL Women Group Stage clash on 31 May 2026. With the hosts languishing near the foot of the table and the visitors firmly in the play-off positions, this fixture has the feel of a classic “must-win” for Chicago and a potential trap game for a San Diego side expected to contend deep into the post-season.

Chicago sit 15th with 9 points from 11 matches, having lost 8 times and carrying a -17 goal difference. Their season record shows a side struggling badly in both boxes, with only 5 goals scored and 22 conceded. In stark contrast, San Diego arrive in Illinois third in the standings on 22 points from 12 games, already in the “Promotion - NWSL Women (Play Offs: Quarter-finals)” zone and with a positive goal difference of +4.

The stakes are clear: Chicago need points simply to stay in touch with the pack and stop the slide, while San Diego are looking to consolidate their top-three status and keep pace with the league’s elite. Stats suggest this Chicago Red Stars vs San Diego Wave matchup could be one-way traffic on paper, but recent head-to-heads at SeatGeek Stadium hint that the Red Stars are capable of making life uncomfortable for the Wave on home soil.

Chicago Red Stars W vs San Diego Wave W Key Stats

• Chicago Red Stars W have taken 9 points from 11 league games (3 wins, 8 defeats), scoring just 5 and conceding 22.
• San Diego Wave W beat Chicago Red Stars W 2-0 in NWSL Women Group Stage action at Snapdragon Stadium on 29 March 2026.
• Chicago average 0.5 goals scored and 2.0 goals conceded per match this season, while San Diego average 1.4 goals scored and 1.1 conceded.

Chicago Red Stars W vs San Diego Wave W — Tale of the Tape

• Position: 15 vs 3
• Points: 9 vs 22
• Goals For: 5 vs 17
• Goals Against: 22 vs 13
• Clean Sheets: Chicago Red Stars W 2; San Diego Wave W 2

The league table underlines the gulf between these sides. Chicago’s 3 wins from 11 and 0 draws highlight a boom-or-bust profile, but with only 5 goals scored and 22 conceded, the “bust” side of that equation has dominated. Their -17 goal difference is one of the worst in the division, and their recent league form string of WLLLL reflects a team that has lost four of its last five league outings.

San Diego, by contrast, have built a strong platform for a play-off push. With 7 wins, 1 draw and 4 defeats from 12 matches, they have combined a solid defence (13 conceded) with a productive attack (17 scored). Their away record is particularly impressive: 4 wins, 1 draw and just 1 defeat on the road, with 10 goals scored and 8 conceded. Evidence from their campaign points to a side that travels well and can control games away from home, something that will concern a Chicago team that has already lost 3 of 5 at SeatGeek Stadium.

Chicago Red Stars W vs San Diego Wave W Key Matchups

Chicago defensive unit vs Dudinha

With no Chicago players listed among the league’s top scorers or assist providers, the key battle from the hosts’ perspective will be their collective defence against San Diego’s standout attacker, Dudinha. The 20-year-old has been one of the league’s most effective forwards, scoring 4 goals and providing 4 assists in 12 appearances. She has started all 12 matches, logging 856 minutes, and her attacking output is backed by 17 shots (9 on target) and 15 key passes from 197 total passes.

Dudinha’s dribbling threat is significant: 42 attempts with 26 successful dribbles underline her ability to beat defenders one-on-one. Chicago have already conceded 22 goals this season, with an average of 2.0 goals against per match, and their defensive structure will be severely tested by a player who not only finishes but also creates. If the Red Stars cannot contain her between the lines and in wide areas, San Diego’s attack is likely to generate a steady stream of chances.

Chicago midfield vs L. E. Godfrey

Another crucial area is the midfield battle against L. E. Godfrey, who has also contributed 4 goals and 2 assists in 12 appearances. Often operating from midfield, Godfrey has produced 10 shots (9 on target) and 17 key passes from 216 total passes, with an impressive 80% passing accuracy. That blend of end product and ball retention makes her a key conduit in San Diego’s build-up play.

Chicago’s midfield will need to disrupt Godfrey’s rhythm to avoid being pinned back. Given the Red Stars’ low scoring rate of 0.5 goals per game and the fact they have failed to score in 8 of 11 matches, they cannot afford to spend long stretches chasing without the ball. Limiting Godfrey’s influence in transition and around the box is essential if Chicago are to keep this contest tight.

Head-to-Head: Last Meetings

These sides have built up a rich recent history in NWSL Women action, with San Diego generally having the upper hand but Chicago proving dangerous at home. Across the last nine meetings listed below, San Diego have enjoyed several high-scoring wins, while the Red Stars have claimed narrow victories at SeatGeek Stadium and on the road.

• 29 March 2026: San Diego Wave W 2-0 Chicago Red Stars W (NWSL Women Group Stage)
• 19 October 2025: San Diego Wave W 6-1 Chicago Red Stars W (NWSL Women Regular Season - 25)
• 26 April 2025: Chicago Red Stars W 0-3 San Diego Wave W (NWSL Women Regular Season - 6)
• 22 September 2024: Chicago Red Stars W 1-0 San Diego Wave W (NWSL Women Regular Season - 16)
• 29 June 2024: San Diego Wave W 0-3 Chicago Red Stars W (NWSL Women Regular Season - 11)
• 2 July 2023: Chicago Red Stars W 1-0 San Diego Wave W (NWSL Women)
• 26 March 2023: San Diego Wave W 3-2 Chicago Red Stars W (NWSL Women)
• 17 October 2022: San Diego Wave W 2-1 Chicago Red Stars W (NWSL Women)
• 31 July 2022: Chicago Red Stars W 0-1 San Diego Wave (NWSL Women)
• 15 May 2022: San Diego Wave 2-1 Chicago Red Stars W (NWSL Women)

Chicago Red Stars W vs San Diego Wave W Prediction

Form, standings and underlying numbers all point towards San Diego having a clear edge. Chicago’s league form of WLLLL and a goals record of 5 scored and 22 conceded underline their struggles at both ends of the pitch. San Diego’s broader league form of LWWWWWLLWWDL is far stronger, and they have been particularly efficient away from home with 4 wins and 10 goals in 6 road fixtures.

The prediction metrics rate this as essentially a coin flip between an away win and a draw, with 50% probabilities assigned to each and 0% to a home victory. The advice leans towards a double chance on draw or San Diego, reflecting the Wave’s superior attack (1.4 goals per game) and more solid defence (1.1 conceded). Given Chicago’s low scoring output and San Diego’s ability to manage games on the road, the most likely match flow is San Diego controlling possession, creating the better chances and eventually breaking down a Red Stars side that has often faded defensively.

Predicted Score: Chicago Red Stars W 0-2 San Diego Wave W

Chicago Red Stars W League Form

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San Diego Wave W League Form

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Chicago Red Stars W Possible Starting Lineup

K. Lund; M. Alozie, S. Cary, K. Hendrich, S. Staab; J. Grosso, B. Franklin, Maitane López, L. Nesbeth; J. Huitema, I. Chacón.

Chicago have typically favoured back-four structures such as 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3, and the squad composition suggests a similar setup here. With experienced goalkeepers like K. Lund and A. Naeher available, the Red Stars have options between the posts, while defenders such as M. Alozie, S. Cary, K. Hendrich and S. Staab can form the core of the back line. In midfield, the likes of J. Grosso, Maitane López and L. Nesbeth provide technical quality, with attacking support from forwards such as J. Huitema and I. Chacón. The key tactical question is whether Chicago can find enough balance to protect a vulnerable defence without sacrificing their already limited attacking threat.

San Diego Wave W Possible Starting Lineup

Luisa Agudelo; P. Morroni, K. McNabb, K. Pickett, N. Harrison; L. E. Godfrey, K. Dali, L. Fazer; Dudinha, Gabi Portilho, A. Leon.

San Diego have alternated between 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 this season, and their squad profile fits both systems well. At the back, defenders such as P. Morroni, K. McNabb and K. Pickett give a blend of defensive solidity and ball progression. In midfield, creators like L. E. Godfrey and K. Dali can dictate play, while L. Fazer adds energy and control. Further forward, Dudinha is the focal point of the attack, supported by wide forwards like Gabi Portilho and A. Leon or Ludmila. This structure allows San Diego to press high, dominate possession and create multiple avenues to goal, which is likely to stretch a fragile Chicago back line.

Chicago Red Stars W Team News

No significant absences reported.

San Diego Wave W Team News

No significant absences reported.

Injuries & Suspensions

Chicago Red Stars W:

• None reported.

San Diego Wave W:

• None reported.

Betting Tips: Chicago Red Stars W vs San Diego Wave W

Exactly 3 distinct tips from different markets:

• Result Tip: Back San Diego Wave W to win. The prediction metrics give Chicago a 0% chance of victory, with 50% each for draw and away win and an explicit “Win or draw” edge for San Diego. The Wave are third in the table with 22 points, while Chicago are 15th with just 9. For the match winner market, odds on San Diego are around 1.36–1.45 across major bookmakers (for example, 1.36 with Marathonbet and Betfair, 1.40 with William Hill and Pinnacle, 1.45 with Betano), which fairly reflect their superiority but still offer accumulator value.
• Goals Tip: Under 3.5 total goals. Chicago average only 0.5 goals scored per game and have failed to score in 8 of 11 matches, while San Diego concede 1.1 goals per match. Although some past head-to-heads have been high-scoring, the current season profiles suggest Chicago may struggle to contribute heavily to the goal tally. With San Diego’s defence generally solid and their attack efficient rather than explosive, a controlled away win in a relatively low-scoring game looks likely. Look for under-goals pricing in conjunction with the strong away favourite status (with match odds around 1.36–1.45 on San Diego).
• Value Tip: San Diego Wave W to win to nil. Chicago’s attack has been one of the least productive in the league (5 goals in 11 games, 0.5 per match), and they have failed to score in the majority of their fixtures. San Diego, meanwhile, have kept 2 clean sheets and boast a well-organised back line featuring defensive standouts like P. Morroni, who has 31 tackles and 9 interceptions in 11 appearances. Combining an away win (priced as low as 1.36 and up to 1.45) with a Chicago blank should produce a more attractive price in the correct score or win-to-nil markets.

How to Watch Chicago Red Stars W vs San Diego Wave W

Broadcast coverage varies by region. General guide:

• Spain: Movistar LaLiga
• UK: Premier Sports
• Australia: beIN Sports
• India: FanCode
• MENA: beIN Sports
• South America: ESPN / Disney+
• Africa: SuperSport

Odds are accurate at the time of writing and subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.