Mar 29, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; Los Angeles FC defender Eddie Segura (4) slides under San Diego FC forward Chucky Lozano (11) in the second half at Snapdragon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Julia Kapros-Imagn Images
San Diego, California – In a match that already felt bigger than a typical early-season MLS clash, San Diego FC made a statement in its first-ever meeting with Los Angeles FC, securing a thrilling 3-2 victory at Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday night.
The highly anticipated showdown not only marked the birth of a new Southern California soccer rivalry but also carried personal significance for SDFC CEO Tom Penn, who played a key role in launching both clubs. While Penn hesitates to officially label it a rivalry just yet, the intensity on the field and in the stands suggested otherwise.
San Diego, long eager to assert itself against its northern neighbor after losing teams like the Chargers and Clippers to Los Angeles, wasted no time in feeding off the energy of a raucous home crowd.
The match opened at a blistering pace, with San Diego FC stunning the reigning Western Conference champions in the 21st minute. Defender Chris McVey rose above the LAFC defense to head in a pinpoint cross from Anders Dreyer, putting the home side ahead 1-0 and igniting the Snapdragon faithful.
Momentum stayed with San Diego as Onni Valakari capitalized on an error by LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris just 13 minutes later. Dreyer’s well-placed set-piece delivery appeared routine for Lloris, but the veteran shot-stopper mishandled it, dropping the ball at Valakari’s feet. The Finnish midfielder coolly slotted it into an empty net, doubling the lead to 2-0.
Just six minutes after that, Alex Mighten sent the stadium into a frenzy, pouncing on a loose ball and firing past Lloris to give SDFC a commanding 3-0 advantage. For a moment, it looked as though the newcomers were set to blow out one of MLS’s elite clubs.
LAFC showed why they’ve been one of the league’s most dominant teams in recent years, clawing back into the match before halftime. Artem Smolyakov pulled one back in the 39th minute, and Turkish international Cengiz Ünder curled in a beautiful strike six minutes later, cutting San Diego’s lead to 3-2 before the break.
LAFC’s hopes of a full comeback were dashed in the 53rd minute when Igo Jesus picked up his second yellow card, reducing the visitors to 10 men for the remainder of the match. Despite applying pressure in the closing minutes, LAFC couldn’t break through San Diego’s disciplined defense.
The final whistle confirmed a landmark victory for San Diego FC, moving them past LAFC and into second place in the Western Conference standings with a 3-1-2 record. The expansion club, which has exceeded expectations early in the season, continues to build its identity behind young stars like Dreyer, whose creativity once again proved instrumental.
With star signing Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano nearing a return, SDFC’s attack could become even more dangerous in the coming weeks. Next up, San Diego remains at home to face the Seattle Sounders on April 5 at 7:30 p.m.
