Byars has 2 goals and 2 assists in the Wave's 4-2 win over the Royals

Trinity Byars had two goals and two assists, and the San Diego Wave downed the visiting Utah Royals 4-2 in the National Women’s Soccer League on Friday nightByThe Associated PressAugust 22, 2026, 12:43 AMSAN DIEGO -- Trinity Byars had two goals and two assists, and the San Diego Wave downed the visiting Utah Royals 4-2 in the National Women's Soccer League on Friday night. The Wave (11-7-3) had won just one of their last six matches. The victory pulled them into a tie on points with the Royals for third in the league standings, behind Gotham FC and the Washington Spirit. Byars scored her first in the fourth minute, taking a long pass from Melanie Barcenas and striking the ball from distance into the opposite corner. Utah's Mina Tanaka tied it in the 29th minute with a curling shot from the top of the box. Before halftime, Barcenas put the Wave back in front with a goal off an assist from Byars. Tanaka scored her second goal, and eighth of the season, just moments into the second half to tie it again for the Royals (11-7-3). But Byars added her second goal in the 62nd minute to give the Wave back the lead. Byars also has eight goals this season. Popular ReadsSome seven minutes later Ludmila scored her second goal of the season with another assist from Byars to give San Diego some cushion. Cece Delzer initially appeared to score for the Royals in the 82nd but it was called back for offside after video review.___See AP’s full soccer coverage hereSponsored Content by Taboola