San Diego Wave FC will host the North Carolina Courage on Saturday at Snapdragon Stadium in a matchup that carries extra weight in the NWSL standings. Both teams are tied for third, and the game also puts a spotlight on Trinity Byars, who leads the Wave with 10 goals this season.
Byars' season has changed the conversation
Byars' production has been one of the biggest stories for San Diego Wave FC this year. She was named NWSL Player of the Week last week after scoring two goals, and she followed that up with another two-goal performance this week. For a player whose first season was slowed by injury, the turnaround has been striking.
During her final year of college at the University of Texas, Byars suffered a knee injury and missed almost all of last season. That made the early part of this year about more than just finding the net. She said it took time to build confidence at the professional level, and that process has clearly started to pay off.
Confidence, leadership and a bigger role
Byars also used the injury-shortened first season to build relationships with teammates, including Kenza Dali. Dali said Byars has become really important for the team and called her an incredible finisher.
Byars returned the praise, saying Dali has been a great mentor and captain who helps younger players understand how to improve. That kind of support has helped her settle in, and it has also helped San Diego Wave FC get more from its attack.
The forward said she believes the team is doing something special and hopes it continues on the field. She also said she has always dreamed of being on the women's national team and is continuing to strive for that goal every time she steps on the field.
For now, the immediate focus is Saturday's meeting with the North Carolina Courage. With both clubs tied for third in the NWSL standings, the result could matter in the race for position as the season moves forward.
