San Diego FC scores late goal to force 2-2 draw vs. Sounders FC
Credit: San Diego FC
SDFC returned for their penultimate home match against fellow West Coast rival, the Seattle Sounders
After a draw against the LA Galaxy, SDFC had some more work to do if they want to make the Western Conference playoffs.
In their short time as a franchise, SDFC has run their entire gambit against Seattle. However, this match will break their perfect 1-1-1 record against the club.
It’s pretty rare to see a team match up this adequately. As is no surprise to anyone, SDFC continued their slow and steady possession-heavy football.
The Sounders were seemingly prepared for this game plan. They managed to put themselves in the right spot every single time.
To combat this, SDFC adjusted their positioning and seemed to rely more heavily on longer passes. On several occasions, SDFC found themselves in the box; however, with no true striker available, neither Anibal Godoy nor Amahl Pellegrino could convert on the play.
Meanwhile, The Sounders challenged their short passes, breaking up SDFC before they could even think about advancing the ball forward. Their heavy presence seemed to prevent the club from using both sides of the field. The Sounders were like a virus they just couldn’t shake.
This led to them being forced to make riskier plays and spread their offense apart. That being said, by the end of the first half, San Diego spent a majority of the time on the Sounders’ side of things. Though it wasn’t enough to make a difference immediately.
The first half came and went with no overtime and very little fanfare. SDFC ended the first half with 61 percent possession and 6 shots, none of which were on target.
After the half, things were much the same. However, a severely dismantled SDFC conceded the first goal of the night. After that, the proverbial lid had been peeled off, and now everything was on the table.
Unfortunately, before things got better, things had to get worse. A play that SDFC consistently tried to get working found its way with the Sounders. A ball hit to the corner was accurately followed up on by Sebastian Gomez for a clean score.
However, a reckless tackle from the Sounders gave SDFC a penalty kick. That initial kick missed by Anders Dreyer; however, Cedric Bakambu was there to make up the difference and score their first goal of the match, making them trail by only 1.
Anders' PK is saved but BAKAGOAL COMES IN CLUTCH 👊 pic.twitter.com/wM9ZpVAk7c
— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) October 25, 2026
Bakambu is a very recent addition to the SDFC lineup, being signed in early September. However, his presence in this match was anything but quiet. It’s always the hope that signings like these turn out to be the difference makers, especially during such desperate times. For this particular match, those dreams were realized.
With SDFC crawling back, the goalkeeper duties continue to be split between their options. Against the Sounders, Sisnega had his work cut out for him.
The pressure was far greater than before, but despite his hiccups, he seemed up for the task.
SDFC certainly tried to erase the deficit with 3 shots on target in this half. However, as the clock marched forward, Seattle parked the bus. SDFC remained the possession winners but couldn’t make good on their promises.
They had to rely on 8 minutes of stoppage time. It was now make-or-break. They had their chance to settle the score with yet another penalty kick. Thankfully for SDFC, Bakambu delivered, tying the game.
BAKAGOAL GETS A BAKABRACE ‼️ https://t.co/3YxJNkZLNK pic.twitter.com/7ahsT1Qdd8
— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) October 25, 2026
Technically speaking, in tonight’s game, SDFC only scored through penalties.
A nail-biting final few minutes continued, but neither team could overcome the other. The game ended in a draw.
With points shared tonight, their playoff hopes are still within reach.
