Eidevall's Wave: Riding High in the NWSL
Jonas Eidevall is enjoying life at the San Diego Wave, where his squad is currently second in the NWSL and aiming to create unforgettable moments at Snapdragon Stadium.
"I love the ocean," he shares, reminiscing about his relaxing walks along Del Mar beach. The slower pace of life suits him. Eidevall describes himself as a simple man who finds joy in reading, hitting the gym, and spending quality time with his family.
As the head coach of the Wave, Eidevall is riding a wave of success with his team on a five-game winning streak, just one point shy of the top spot with two matches left before the playoffs. The prospect of winning a title excites him: "It would mean everything. There are no guarantees in the playoffs, but we have to believe we can go all the way."
When Eidevall took over 21 months ago, the future looked uncertain. The team was facing significant player departures, including Abby Dahlkemper's move to Bay FC and Alex Morgan's retirement, alongside Jaedyn Shaw’s switch to North Carolina Courage and Naomi Girma's transfer to Chelsea. A rebuild was essential.
During his first video call with the players that winter, Eidevall shared a proverb: if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together. "My ideas need everyone’s belief to matter," he emphasizes. The initial focus was on building personal connections rather than delving into complex tactics. For about four weeks in their six-week pre-season, they concentrated solely on playing out from the back, which has yielded impressive results. Current stats show Wave defenders Kristen McNabb and Kennedy Wesley leading the league in completed passes.
The development of young talents like 18-year-olds Melanie Barcenas and Kimmi Ascanio is another success story. Eidevall notes, "After 2024, when the club struggled, we had to find players who fit our playing style. We aimed for technical skill over just speed, which is often emphasized in the league."
He believes focusing on technical prowess gives them an edge in a salary cap league, allowing them to nurture young talent instead of relying solely on established stars, which can quickly consume their budget.
The NWSL presents unique challenges compared to Eidevall's previous roles at Arsenal and Rosengård. Despite sitting second, San Diego has lost nearly as many matches this season as Arsenal did in three years across Europe. He reflects, "In European leagues, top teams rarely go two games without a win. Here, even the league champions can hit rough patches, making mental resilience crucial."
Training has its own set of hurdles. With a limited roster, securing 22 players for drills can be tough. Injuries can complicate matters further, as the absence of a second-team system means creativity is essential in coaching sessions.
Eidevall's vision for attractive football is paying off. San Diego has set club records for wins and goals, boasting the second-highest possession share and the most shots on target while conceding the fewest.
"The most satisfying part is achieving results through our identity rather than by any means necessary," he states confidently. "We want our players to have the freedom to be creative."
As we chat, it's been nearly two years since Eidevall left Arsenal after a tough start to the season. During his tenure in London, he secured two League Cups, reached a Champions League semi-final, and finished second in the league but fell short of a WSL title. Reflecting on his Arsenal experience, he acknowledges, "We had great width but struggled to connect in the center. Improving central play became a priority, which influenced my tactical approach here at San Diego."
Eidevall aims to carry forward the spirit of his time at Arsenal to San Diego, where his team is set to host a home playoff quarter-final in front of their 35,000-seater Snapdragon Stadium. He fondly recalls the excitement of the first sellout crowd for a women’s match at Arsenal.
