San Diego FC defeat Real Salt Lake 3-1 at America First Field
Credit: SDFC
San Diego FC traveled to Utah to challenge Real Salt Lake this evening for their third MLS Game.
Mikey Varas was forced to change his lineup due to Hirving Lozano’s injury. Tomas Angel started in the striker position, and Marcus Ingvarsten moved over to Lozano’s left-wing spot.
As the match kicked off, San Diego FC maintained their high press style that we have seen in the last two games. Luca de la Torre and Franco Negri made overlapping runs on the left side, and former Real Salt Lake player Jasper Loeffelsend brought the ball down the right for dangerous crosses.
The high-risk, high-reward style caught up to San Diego FC, as the defense could not keep up with Real Salt Lake’s counterattack. At 17 minutes, Ariath Piol snuck between Paddy McNair and Negri, scoring the opening goal. With renewed energy, Real Salt Lake tried to capitalize on San Diego FC’s lack of defensive coordination.
As the half progressed, San Diego FC’s midfielders stepped up, bringing the ball forward and renewing the high press style. Luca de la Torre especially made incredible runs and creative crosses, directing the rest of the team through the pitch. This creativity inspired San Diego FC to refocus their energy toward scoring.
Negri took matters into his own hands. He passed the ball to Tomás Ángel, then ran into the box. Ángel crossed the ball back to Negri, who scored a great header to equalize the game before the halftime whistle.
Mr. Negri would like to introduce himself. 😤 pic.twitter.com/u3LBqkRoNl
— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) March 9, 2025
The first half ended. San Diego FC were vulnerable in their defense, but their high press eventually put the ball in the back of the net.
At halftime, San Diego FC and Real Salt Lake are level with one goal each.
As the second half started, San Diego FC’s defense looked stronger, clearing the ball confidently. The midfield and attack had great coordination, bringing the ball through the pitch to create opportunities. The finishing in the early part of the second half left much to be desired, with many opportunities and zero goals.
Paddy McNair fell to the ground for the second time in the half. It seemed his awkward clearance in the beginning of the half had caught up to him, with a possible injury to his back. Ian Pilcher replaced him, bringing fresh legs but possibly more instability to San Diego FC’s defense.
San Diego FC and Real Salt Lake took turns pressing high and testing each other’s backline. As the half came to a close, both teams grew frustrated. The referee gave out three yellow cards for Real Salt Lake and one for San Diego FC.
Mikey Varas made more substitutions, bringing on Emmanuel Boateng for Tomás Ángel and Onni Valakari for Luca de la Torre. He also replaced both fullbacks, with Luca Bombino on the left and Willy Kumado on the right. Kumado was solid defensively, and Bombino brought fresh legs to the overlapping runs on the left.
Regular time ended, and the referee signaled there would be 7 minutes of added time. San Diego FC started to play with extreme urgency. Their press was stifling. Kumado brought the ball up the far right side, crossing the ball perfectly into the box. Anders Dreyer shot the ball with conviction into the goal, giving San Diego FC the lead.
(Shot on iPhone)
((Game-Winner Edition)) pic.twitter.com/8lCOO6oHSi— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) March 9, 2025
San Diego FC continued to maintain possession through the added time. In the last minute, Onni Valakari passes the ball to Ingvartsen, who puts the ball in the net to close the game. San Diego FC went from trailing 0-1 against Real Salt Lake to winning confidently 3-1 at the end of the match.
Goalscorer Anders Dreyer said just after the game, “I am just happy that at the last minute, we could win it.”
Jenny is a San Diego native, athlete, and local sports fanatic. She covers San Diego FC.