San Diego FC marks its MLS debut with a 2-0 victory over LA Galaxy, as Hirving Lozano delivers a crucial assist.
San Diego FC faced an imposing challenge in its first-ever MLS match, going up against defending champions LA Galaxy on their home turf. However, the new franchise proved its quality and composure, securing a 2-0 away victory on Sunday, February 23.
Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney fielded a strong lineup featuring Micovic, Yamane, Garcés, Yoshida, Nelson, Sanabria, Cerrillo, Reus, Pec, Ramírez, and Fagúndez.
Meanwhile, Mikey Varas, in his first match at the helm of San Diego FC, opted for a starting XI of Dos Santos, Löffelsend, McVey, McNair, Negri, Godoy, Tverskov, De la Torre, Dreyer, Ingvartsen, and Mexican international Hirving Lozano.
The match began with both teams struggling to create clear scoring opportunities in the opening minutes. Despite LA Galaxy’s efforts to control possession, San Diego’s defense remained compact and well-organized.
The first real chance of the game arrived in the 45th minute, when Marco Reus took a free kick for Galaxy, narrowly sending the ball over the crossbar of CJ Dos Santos’ goal. With neither team finding the net, the match remained 0-0 at halftime.
The game took a decisive turn in the 52nd minute, following a defensive mistake from LA Galaxy. Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano pounced on the error, delivering a precise pass into the box for Dreyer, who calmly slotted home San Diego FC’s first-ever MLS goal and gave the visitors a 1-0 lead.
Lozano nearly doubled the advantage in the 65th minute, finding himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Micovic, but his powerful shot was denied by a sharp save. The Mexican winger came close again in the 74th minute, launching a shot from outside the area that sailed just over the crossbar.
LA Galaxy came dangerously close to equalizing in the 78th minute, when Yamane delivered a low cross into the box. Berry connected first-time, but Dos Santos reacted quickly to block the shot, maintaining San Diego’s lead.
Galaxy had another chance moments later, as Yamane sent in a lofted cross that Ramos Jr. volleyed. However, the effort lacked power, and Dos Santos easily controlled the attempt.
In stoppage time, San Diego FC secured the victory with a clinical counterattack. In the 92nd minute, Dreyer sent a through ball to Gutiérrez, who controlled before slipping the ball back to Dreyer inside the box. The forward finished with his left foot, sealing a historic 2-0 win for the MLS newcomers.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
- San Diego FC will play its first home match in MLS against St. Louis City SC on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Snapdragon Stadium. A sellout crowd is expected for this landmark occasion.
- LA Galaxy will travel to face the Vancouver Whitecaps on Sunday, March 2, looking to bounce back from their opening defeat.
