Dudinha lifted her hands to form a heart as Snapdragon Stadium erupted in joy — a fitting celebration for a brace that sealed the San Diego Wave’s long-awaited return to the playoffs.

The Wave dominated Chicago Stars FC 6-1 to clinch their first postseason berth since 2023. The six goals marked a franchise record for a single game.

Saturday night was monumental for soccer in San Diego, but it may also have signaled the birth of a new star in Dudinha.

“Sometimes it takes players a little bit of an adjustment period to adapt to this league — clearly not her,” center back Kristen McNabb said. “She is like a little cheat code for us. It is really fun to watch her play.”

She was a menace on the left flank all game long, and no matter how many defenders Chicago threw at her, she found ways t

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