San Diego FC hosted the Tijuana Xolos for a game in the 2026 Leagues Cup at Snapdragon Stadium this Sunday, August 9. Both teams were coming off losses in the competition and were in need of the three points from the game.

Mikey Varas made six changes to the starting lineup that suffered a 3-1 loss to Club America. Varas inclusively changed the formation, switching from a three-man backline to a four-man setup against Xolos.

San Diego is ready. Aquí está el XI. pic.twitter.com/M3NXcWy52D

— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) August 10, 2026

One of the more notable changes to the starting 11 was team captain Jeppe Tverskov starting on the bench. Sebastian Abreu made five changes to Xolos’ lineup that suffered a 2-0 defeat to Austin FC.

The most notable change for the Border City Dogs was striker Mourad El Ghezouani staying on the bench.

There was a very vibrant atmosphere at a sold-out Snapdragon Stadium with plenty of fans from both teams. These teams play in close proximity of each other, and this came as no surprise.

There was also plenty of support around the stadium for Xolos’ young star Gilberto Mora. The Mexico international made a splash at the World Cup and has been a sensation around Mexican soccer since then.

SDFC came out of the gate with immense intensity and tried to take immediate control of the game. The Azul and Chrome side controlled possession and scored very early on.

However, this early goal by Anders Dreyer was disallowed after a noticeable foul by Bryan Zamble on Xolos’ Ramiro Arciga. Zamble redeemed himself later on in the half, scoring the lone goal of the match in the 22nd minute.

Alejandro Alvardo Jr. was key on the scoring play as he stole the ball near Tijuana’s box. Alvarado passed the ball to Dreyer, the Danish international passed it back to No.70, and he passed to Bryan Zamble.

Alvarado ➡️ Zamblé slides it home 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/oG6bbTim2V

— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) August 10, 2026

Zamble tapped the ball into the back of the net to get that vital, decisive goal. Club Tijuana had no shots on target in the first half and really struggled to build precise attacking play.

The Aztec Canines really improved in the second half, still with less possession than SDFC, but with 10 total shots. CJ dos Santos proved to be vital in that second half with a pair of saves to maintain the slim lead.

San Diego FC had one key strike stopped by Antonio Rodriguez in that second half, but they really were not very effective. However, that slim lead was enough to come away with the vital win in front of the sold-out crowd.

San Diego FC will play its next game in this Leagues Cup against Puebla this Wednesday, August 12, while Club Tijuana will face Portland on August 13.

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.