San Diego Wave 3, Denver Summit 2: Lia Godfrey Scores Twice to Fuel Wave's Rise

San Diego Wave defeated Denver Summit 3-2 to improve to 3-0-0 on the season and sit atop the NWSL table. Lia Godfrey led the way with two goals and a key assist, continuing her blistering start to her professional career. The Wave are now the only undefeated team in the league through the first three matches.

Godfrey, a 24-year-old midfielder from San Diego, has already scored three goals and recorded three assists in her first five matches. Her performance in the victory over Denver included a fast-paced give-and-go that led to her second goal of the night. The win marks the third straight match in which San Diego has scored at least three goals.

Godfrey’s first goal came in a 2-1 win over the Utah Royals, where she placed a shot into the bottom right corner from just inside the box. The following week, she converted a close-range pass in the 27th minute to give the Wave the lead in a 3-1 victory over the Portland Thorns. Her third goal came in a 2-0 win over the Chicago Stars after a clever hesitation move and a composed finish.

The rookie has already earned Player of the Week, Rookie of the Month, and a spot on the Team of the Month. She is the early favorite for NWSL Rookie of the Year after a breakout performance that has drawn praise from former coaches and analysts alike.

Before joining the Wave, Godfrey played four seasons at the University of Virginia, where she totaled 21 goals and 26 assists. She won multiple All-America honors and was named ACC Midfielder of the Year in 2024. Her college career was cut short in 2023 due to a serious knee injury, but she returned strong in 2024 with 11 goals and four assists.

“She’s just such a difference-maker,” said University of Virginia head coach Steve Swanson. “You have someone who can get assists or create assists, and someone who can score goals. She understands our style, she understands our system, and she’s one of the best midfielders, if not the best, in the country.”

Godfrey signed with San Diego on a two-year deal with options for 2028 and 2029. She has quickly become a key part of the Wave’s attack, playing in all three matches and starting the last two. Her ability to contribute in both attack and defense has made her a vital piece of the team’s high-pressing system.

Jenny Furrer of SDFC Nation wrote, “Even in her debut minutes, there were signs of what was to come. She played with urgency, embraced physical challenges, and showed a willingness to operate across the front line.”

San Diego Wave will look to continue its strong start when they host the North Carolina Courage on Saturday. A win would keep them in first place and set the tone for a potential playoff run. Denver Summit drops to 0-2-1 and will need to regroup quickly as they face the Portland Thorns next week.