Rivalry was born between SDFC and LAFC after first clash
Credit: San Diego FC
San Diego FC defeated LAFC 3-2 at Snapdragon Stadium in what was the first-ever game between these two teams.
This was also San Diego’s first-ever victory at the Mission Valley Fortress after two draws at home.
The intensity leading up to this match was felt around the city, with the San Diego-Los Angeles rivalry growing over time. This has specifically been seen between the Padres and Dodgers, but it has translated into other sports like the NWSL with San Diego Wave and Angel City.
San Diego defeated LA Galaxy 2-0 in Carson, Calif., in what was the franchise’s first-ever game in Major League Soccer. There had been banter between both fan bases online leading up to this match in what was expected to become a true rivalry in MLS.
San Diego FC fans after #SDFC defeat #LAFC 3-2 at Snapdragon Stadium.@EVT_News pic.twitter.com/tKBkQYI9Jx
— Francisco Velasco (@FranciscoEfV) March 30, 2025
A video of San Diego FC fans burning an LAFC jersey surfaced days before this matchup.
Several LAFC fans made the trip down to San Diego, making a portion of the sold-out crowd of 32,502 spectators. Before the initial whistle, the “Beat LA” chants had already started around Snapdragon Stadium. A chant that has been seen for decades at San Diego Padres games when they play the Los Angeles Dodgers.
There was friendly chirping between both fan bases around the Snap, with some unfortunate violent incidents as well. These incidents made up a small minority of the great festivities on the night, but hopefully, they do not continue throughout the season.
The game itself was an extremely intense affair, with five goals in the opening 45 minutes. While the second half had no goals, the hard-fought nature of the match and intensity on the pitch made vibrations around Snapdragon Stadium.
Four yellow cards for each side and some relatively harsh fouls were seen throughout the 90 minutes. In the 53rd minute, LAFC player Igor Jesus was expelled.
The man-advantage for SDFC only added to the intensity, with LAFC really trying to close the spaces and San Diego constantly attacking. This made for a very entertaining second half despite the lack of goals.
San Diego FC fan Kevin after the win against #LAFC.@EVT_News pic.twitter.com/YOs31XTs2Y
— Francisco Velasco (@FranciscoEfV) March 31, 2025
San Diego came away with the huge victory and fans left Snapdragon Stadium euphorically in what was a huge celebration after the match as well. This certainly felt like the potential inception of a great rivalry between two teams that seem to be very competitive in this 2025 season.
The rivalry was always going to exist because of baseball history and geographical reasons, but this set itself apart. This game felt like the stakes were higher on and off the pitch, and hopefully, that energy will continue throughout future matchups.
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.
no mention of the fight in the parking lot? LA fans in full masks and cops not really doing anything even after a SDFC fan was dropped with a sucker punch and kicked in the head. Keep these a-holes out of our town.