- San Diego FC scores 3 first-half goals in franchise-defining win
- LAFC suffers first-ever loss against expansion clubs after 6-0 record
- Rookies contribute 2 goals and 3 assists combined
- Red card alters momentum as LAFC plays final 37 minutes shorthanded
In a watershed moment for Major League Soccer’s newest franchise, San Diego FC defeated reigning Western Conference power LAFC 3-2 in a thrilling Saturday night clash. The expansion team’s offensive outburst featured goals from three different international players, showcasing the roster-building strategy that’s defying expansion team norms through six matches.
Defender Christopher McVey ignited the scoring barrage in the 21st minute, converting Anders Dreyer’s precision cross for his first goal since joining from D.C. United. The 27-year-old Swedish center back’s early strike marked a tactical shift for manager Mikey Varas, whose squad entered the match with just 5 goals through five games.
Midfield dynamo Onni Valakari doubled the lead in the 34th minute, intercepting a wayward LAFC pass before launching a 25-yard rocket past French World Cup winner Hugo Lloris. The Finnish international’s second goal of the campaign preceded Alex Mighten’s historic 40th-minute tally – the English winger’s first MLS score assisted by Valakari and German defender Jasper Löffelsend.
LAFC’s comeback bid gained traction through 21-year-old Ukrainian defender Artem Smolyakov’s 43rd-minute strike and Turkish forward Cengiz Ünder’s stoppage-time header. However, Igor Jesus’ 53rd-minute ejection for repeated fouls disrupted the visitors’ rhythm, limiting their second-half chances despite maintaining 58% possession.
Industry Insight: Expansion teams typically require 2-3 seasons to compete, but San Diego’s 3-1-2 start mirrors 2022 Charlotte FC’s record through six matches. Data from MLS Expansion Tracker shows only 4 of 15 new franchises since 2005 posted winning home openers.
Tactical Breakdown: Varas’ high-press system forced 14 LAFC turnovers in the attacking third – 22% above the league average. The strategy neutralized LAFC’s counterattacking prowess, holding Golden Boot contender Denis Bouanga to 0 shots on target.
Regional Impact: San Diego’s soccer-specific Snapdragon Stadium drew 32,114 fans, building on the city’s growing reputation as a West Coast soccer hub. The victory positions SDCF to challenge the San Diego Loyal’s previous attendance records in the USL Championship.
Goalkeeper CJ dos Santos preserved the win with a spectacular 89th-minute save against Ünder, while LAFC’s Lloris made three stops. Both clubs face critical conference tests Saturday, with San Diego hosting Seattle Sounders FC and LAFC visiting Houston Dynamo.