In a meeting with important playoff ramifications, San Diego Wave FC will take on Houston Dash Saturday, Aug. 20 on Hispanic Heritage Night in what will be the team’s final game at Torero Stadium before moving to Snapdragon Stadium for its remaining two home matches.

The Wave currently sits in third place in the NWSL standings three points behind second place Houston and first place Portland Thorns.

“Every game has been a big test for us this season,” said San Diego head coach Casey Stoney. “Every team is a big test, every game is difficult in this league, and every game is an even matchup.”

This will also be San Diego’s final match of a three-game homestead having already lost the first two to Kansas City and Orlando. The last time Houston and San Diego faced each other was in the regular season opener with the Wave coming out with a 1-0 road win thanks to an 86th minute goal by forward Jodie Taylor.

“One great thing about this league is how competitive it is top to bottom,” said Taylor. “We know that, and it is getting to that point in the season where every point counts.”

The top six teams make it to the NWSL playoffs with San Diego still having to face the top-seeded Portland Thorns on the road on Aug. 27, which makes getting a positive result against Houston all the more important.

The Wave will be without the services of starting goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan who received a red card after the end of the match against Orlando, but will have experienced backup goalkeeper Carly Telford starting in her place. Telford last played against Racing Louisville on July 15 finishing with a clean sheet which included a penalty kick save late in the game to preserve the scoreless draw.

“We’ve had an incredible atmosphere at Torero, so hopefully, we can recreate that on Saturday and give the fans something to cheer about,” Stoney added.

Photo courtesy: David Frerker