San Diego Wave FC left Los Angeles with the first Southern California derby win of the 2026 season, beating Angel City FC 2-1 on Saturday, May 9, at BMO Stadium in a match that stayed tight until the final stretch.
After a scoreless first half, the game opened up quickly after the break. Dudinha put San Diego in front in the 49th minute, driving toward the Angel City box, beating pressure and sending a shot that took a deflection on its way into the net.
Angel City answered almost immediately. Sarah Gorden kept the play alive after a corner and lifted a ball toward the back post, where Emily Sams slid in to finish from close range in the 54th minute. The goal brought ACFC level at 1-1 and gave Gorden the first assist of her professional career.
The response gave Angel City a needed spark, especially after a first half where both teams created dangerous moments without finding the breakthrough. Taylor Suarez had one of ACFC’s clearest looks before halftime, while Gorden made a key defensive intervention to deny Dudinha after a long run toward goal.
San Diego eventually found the decisive moment in the 81st minute. Dudinha again created the danger from the left side, sending in a cross that rookie defender Mimi Van Zanten attacked at the far post. Van Zanten’s header beat the Angel City defense and goalkeeper Angelina Anderson, giving the Wave a 2-1 lead they protected through the final minutes.
The goal was Van Zanten’s first as a professional and continued San Diego’s strong start to the season. Dudinha’s assist was her fourth of the year, tying her for the league lead, while her opening goal was her third of the campaign.
Angel City pushed for another equalizer, but San Diego goalkeeper DiDi Haračić and the Wave back line held firm. ACFC finished with seven corners and 10 shots, but San Diego’s sharper moments in front of goal made the difference.
The result continued a frustrating run for Angel City, whose fifth straight one-goal match ended in defeat. After opening the season with three consecutive wins, ACFC has now lost four straight, leaving the team searching for a way to turn narrow margins into points.
San Diego, meanwhile, improved to 6-3-0 with the road win. Former Angel City head coach Becki Tweed led the Wave from the sideline with head coach Jonas Eidevall suspended, adding another layer to a rivalry night that ended with San Diego celebrating at BMO Stadium.
