Hirving Lozano, Anders Dreyer, and Onni Valakari were able to create moments of magic for San Diego FC in the 3-0 win vs. Seattle.

This was the first time this season that the three players started a game as the attacking trident for Mikey Varas.

“Chucky” Lozano was just returning from an injury and ended up having a tremendous performance with a goal and an assist. The assist came on a well-worked play off a corner kick as Luca de la Torre quickly passed the ball to Lozano. “Chucky” weaved his way into the box effortlessly and sent in a cross to Jeppe Tverskov, who finished the opportunity with ease.

First MLS Goal
Two assists @sandiegofc win

Have a day, @HirvingLozano70. pic.twitter.com/qxfBt95AB3

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 6, 2025

The Mexican superstar’s goal was off a well-constructed counter attack where Jasper Loffelsend burst down the right flank and sent a pass to Lozano. “Chucky” had more than enough space and time to convert the scoring chance inside of the box against veteran keeper Stefan Frei.

The Mexican international also put in a key pass in Anibal Godoy’s goal as he sent a perfect ball to Anders Dreyer from the middle of the pitch to the right flank. Dreyer then sent in a cross to Godoy, who, like Tverskov, easily finished the scoring opportunity.

This was  Dreyer’s second assist of the season, as he has turned out to be among the most productive offensive players for SDFC. The Danish winger made headlines after netting a brace against LA Galaxy in San Diego’s season-opener but has maintained production since then.

Dreyer has proven that he can bring goals, assists, playmaking abilities and draw important fouls for SDFC. The former Copenhagen player may even have more breathing room now with Lozano back from his injury and opposing defenders focusing more on the Mexican player.

Mikey Varas commented on the attacking partnership between Lozano and Dreyer. “This sport is so collective in nature. Of course, each of them individually is so talented, but then when they create a connection on the field and off of the field, their talent becomes exponentially stronger. One plus one when it comes to Hirving and Anders working well together does not equal two; it equals much more than two. It’s always good to see them with and for each other and feeding off each other”, said Varas.

San Diego FC HC Mikey Varas was asked about the attacking tandem of Hirving Lozano and Anders Dreyer, @EVT_News: pic.twitter.com/zjCZi5kqm9

— Sebastian Sanchez (@Ssanchez_16) April 6, 2025

While Onni Valakai did not provide a goal or assist in this match against Seattle, his impact cannot be understated or forgotten. The Finnish playmaker has two goals and three assists this season and has only played three games as a starter.

Valakari scored San Diego FC’s historic first-ever goal at Snapdragon Stadium against Columbus Crew. The 25-year-old player brings a lot of creativity to the table, along with an imposing aerial presence that can be very useful on crosses and set-pieces.

Valakari has been playing as the main striker in Marcus Ingvartsen’s absence but has been more of a false nine. Valakari also tracks back on certain plays and has the ability to help recover the ball, which was seen in the game against Seattle.

While San Diego seems to be lacking a more traditional goal-scoring striker at the moment, this setup has plenty of potential. This attacking three excels at generating goal-scoring opportunities and does not seem like it will lack creativity.

Valakari’s aerial presence is still also yet to see its full potential, which can be a useful tool going forward. San Diego FC looked impressive with this frontline against the Sounders, and it will be interesting to see if that momentum will continue in the next match against Coorado Rapids.

Francisco Velasco

Francisco, 28, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego FC, San Diego Wave. I have covered Liga MX, MLS, Mexico National Team, USWNT, Copa América and European clubs like Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund.