In a highly anticipated match, San Diego FC traveled a couple of hours up north to face Los Angeles FC at BMO Stadium.

It was a special night for the Black and Gold as every seat was taken. All eyes were on the home debutant – Heung-min Son. The Korean superstar stole the pre-match headlines, yet despite the spotlight shining on Son, San Diego FC entered with a clear focus: proving they belong in first place.

Paddy McNair returned to the starting lineup after a long stint on the injury list. SDFC is currently dealing with a wing-back injury issue, so many questions were raised about what head coach Mikey Varas was going to do. McNair answered that question as it freed up Chris McNair to take over the wing-back position. Additionally, Onni Valakari started in the center striker position due to injuries to Marcus Ingvartsen and new signing Corey Baird.

LAFC was unable to field its typical lineup either. Starting midfielder Timmy Tillman and Igor Jesus were out with injuries, while starting defender Ryan Hollingshead did not play due to suspension from yellow card accumulation.

The first half began with both teams feeling each other out by maintaining possession and attempting a few long-ball passes. In the first 15 minutes, San Diego outpossessed LAFC 57-43, but it was the Black and Gold who struck first. In the 15th minute, David Martinez sent a pass over the head of San Diego defender Manu Duah into the run of the always dangerous Denis Bouanga. The Gabon international took one touch to chip the ball over goalkeeper CJ Dos Santos, and LAFC were ahead 1-0.

Denis Bouanga. Too good. 😎 pic.twitter.com/v7Wl9FARwM

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 1, 2025

Riding the momentum, LAFC pressed on with a few more chances coming as San Diego found themselves a little bit on their heels. It wasn’t until the 33rd minute that Anders Dreyer got himself another goal contribution. Dreyer sent an over-the-top pass into a streaking run by Lozano, who got in behind the defense and finished a well-placed, low shot into the corner of the net. The 600-some SDFC fans took over the noise in the stadium as the LAFC fan section took a moment to regroup.

ELLLLLLLL

CHUCKYY

LOZANOOOOOOOOOOOO pic.twitter.com/qDxLjQqVO4

— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) September 1, 2025

The first half ended in a 1-1 draw with San Diego once again regaining possession (60-40) and momentum.

San Diego came out noticeably calmer at the beginning of the second half. Their runs were calculated, the passes intentional, and the possession meaningful. A perfectly timed, hard sliding tackle from Paddy McNair in the 55th minute sends David Martinez tumbling over onto his shoulder. The young Venezuelan was forced to leave the match, replaced by Nathan Ordaz. Unfortunately for San Diego, McNair seemingly reaggravated his nagging leg injury and walked off the field following the challenge. He did not immediately go into the locker room, which indicated the injury was not serious. Ian Pilcher took over McNair’s duties.

San Diego made use of their most dangerous weapon in the 66th minute. Jeppe Tverskov picked out a beautiful through ball to Dreyer, which sent him into the box with two defenders to beat. Dreyer skillfully placed the ball on his left foot and sent a blazing strike into the back of the net to make it 2-1. With another goal and assist in the game already, Dreyer continues to make a strong case in a battle against Lionel Messi for league MVP.

The Ice Cream MANNNNNNNN

Anders gives us the lead. pic.twitter.com/UP4217sS42

— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) September 1, 2025

Son was kept at bay for the first 75 minutes as his debut was fairly quiet. San Diego did a good job disrupting any buildup that led the ball into the feet of the Korean superstar. A chance finally came when Son dribbled across the top of the box and sent a curling shot past CJ Dos Santos, only to hit the woodwork. The crowd erupted, waiting for the big moment, but they would have to wait longer.

Nine additional minutes were added due to David Martinez’s injury as SDFC tried to hold on to the lead. Son had an additional shot on goal in the 91st minute, but it was an easy save for Dos Santos, who didn’t have to move.

As the final whistle was blown, the San Diego FC players, visibly emotional, threw their hands in the air and celebrated a much-deserved victory with the traveling supporters. SDFC has now beaten LAFC in both home and away matches. The match truly felt like a rivalry is born. Before the game began, both supporters’ sections were taunting one another – a phenomenon that dates back to the first game, when violence broke out in San Diego. Fortunately, no incidents have been reported at the time of writing.

Dmitry Anisimov

Dmitry Anisimov is a San Diego native who played soccer up to the college level when he represented the SDSU Men’s Club Soccer team. Growing up in San Diego, Dmitry is a fan of all the home teams but he specifically couldn’t wait until San Diego got an MLS team. Once that dream became reality, Dmitry married his love for writing and the game of soccer to portray a voice of the San Diego soccer community. There is a deep-rooted love of soccer culture in San Diego and Dmitry hopes to bring it to light through his pre and post-game coverage of all things San Diego FC.