Milan Iloski is what San Diego FC dreamed of
Credit: SDFC
San Diego FC had a clear vision of what it wanted this franchise to become and the identity it wanted to establish. Part of this identity was the goal for homegrown and local players to shine.
SDFC certainly reinforced this ideology by signing players like Luca de la Torre and Milan Iloski. Iloski was the less flashy signing of the pair, as his level of play in MLS was an uncertainty.
The 25-year-old forward had a brief stint with Real Salt Lake, but had been a journeyman before joining San Diego. Iloski really shined in his stint in the USL Championship with Orange County SC and had caught Mikey Varas’ eye at FC Nordsjaelland.
Iloski had never even started a match in Major League Soccer before facing the Vancouver Whitecaps on June 25. However, the Escondido, Calif. native had already been very impressive with five goals scored off the bench.
Chess moves on your checkerboard.
Make that 4 goals for Mr. Escondido. pic.twitter.com/lDTeqK9H6n
— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) June 26, 2025
The 25-year-old forward was averaging a goal every 42 minutes and lived up to that goal-scoring frequency and beyond in his first start. Iloski managed to score the first hat-trick in SDFC history and the fastest hat-trick in MLS history with just nine minutes from his first to third goal.
The San Diego native scored four goals total in the match, which turned out to be vital in the massive 5-3 win. Iloski showcased every aspect of his game, even scoring a goal off a header from an assist by Anders Dreyer.
Dreyer and Iloski linked up perfectly throughout the match, really bringing grand expectations for the future of this SDFC offense. Mikey Varas had really been struggling to find a consistent starting striker, even playing Anders Dreyer and Onni Valakari at the nine spot.
Given Marcus Ingvartsen’s injury and ineffectiveness while playing, Iloski is very likely to retain that starting role for future games.
Once Hirving “Chucky” Lozano is ready to play, this offense looks to be even more thrilling, also considering the creativity Luca de la Torre can offer.
Milan Iloski seems to be the solution on the pitch with his goal-scoring prowess. He also represents much more than that, given his background in San Diego and what that represents for fans and the front office.
San Diego FC clearly has the intention of building a squad that will not only be effective but also one that the fan base can connect with. This is evident in the hiring of Mikey Varas and his attractive playing style, which appeals to the fans.
Part of building that connection also includes forming hometown talent and giving opportunities to those homegrown players. The Right to Dream Academy has made it clear that it aims to develop talent from the region and directly into the MLS squad.
While Iloski was never part of this academy and played college soccer at UCLA, he embodies the essence of Right to Dream. The dream of a homegrown player being brought up and becoming a hero for their hometown club.
Iloski is living that dream this season, now leading San Diego FC with nine goals scored. This is also part of San Diego FC’s dream to see players like this become pillars of the franchise for years to come.
Milan Iloski is now averaging a goal every 33 minutes played, and it will be interesting to see him capitalize on these future opportunities.
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.