San Diego FC dominates Colorado Rapids 2-0 to extend win streak to three games
Credit: SDFC
San Diego FC has extended its winning streak to three games. Defending its home field, shutting out the Colorado Rapids, and winning by two goals.
In their first-ever midweek match, San Diego (7-4-2, 23 points) dominated from start to finish, leaving Colorado (4-4-5, 16 points) stunned in their second meeting this season.
“It’s a massive performance from the boys,” San Diego FC head coach Mikey Varas said postgame. “I hope everybody is inspired as I am by them, because they are so brave to play.” Varas also mentioned that this was a “complete performance” and an example of what the team can be.
After San Diego FC lost their first meeting against the Colorado Rapids 3-2 on April 12, they lost to Charlotte FC (3-0) and Real Salt Lake (3-1). Since then, the team has bounced back, winning two straight matches.
Starting with a 5-0 victory over FC Dallas, which featured a brace from Mexican forward Hirving “Chucky” Lozano and goals from Anders Dreyer, Onni Valakari, and Milan Iloski.
San Diego kicked off a busy week with three games. Chrome & Azul faced St. Louis City SC this past Saturday and won 2-1. Iloski opened the scoring in the 79th minute, and Dreyer secured the win with a second goal eight minutes later, which proved crucial as St. Louis scored a goal late in the match.
Colorado was shut out 2-0 by the San Jose Earthquakes in their last match. Their last win was against San Diego. Since then, they have tied twice and lost twice.
Forward Rafael Navarro (Ankle) was unavailable tonight. Navarro has scored five goals in 12 matches. Colorado will rely on midfielder Djordje Mihailovic, who also has five goals this season, to help a struggling attack. Zack Steffen has been a wall in the net with 42 saves. Entering Wednesday’s match, the Rapids had 15 goals compared to San Diego’s 23.
Last Thursday, EVT asked Mikey Varas about the team’s approach to the schedule. The coach said they did not have a concrete plan and would adjust based on the players’ fitness and readiness. There were few to no changes to the lineup tonight. Alex Mighten returned to the starting XI after missing one game due to injury.
Forward Marcus Ingvartsen and defender Andrés Reyes remain sidelined.
In the match, Chucky Lozano quickly began his attack. Just three minutes in, he took an aggressive shot from outside the box, but Steffen made a diving save to prevent the ball from entering the left corner.
San Diego’s midfielder and captain, Jeppe Tverskov, picked up a yellow card in the 6th minute.
A few moments later, a scary collision occurred between Chucky and the opposing goalkeeper. The play continued while Lozano lay on the ground in pain. Veteran midfielder Anibal Godoy had two attempts at goal: his first was blocked in the center, and his second shot went wide to the right. Chucky left the pitch for a couple of minutes afterwards and returned.
Perhaps the most polarizing attack for the Rapids, midfielder Cole Bassett, entered the center of the box with space, but the pass was out of his reach.
Godoy was very active offensively and had another goal-scoring opportunity. His strong kick attempt went over the net. At 35 years old, his efforts were certainly noticed throughout the night.
Around the 20-minute mark, midfielder Luca de la Torre facilitated plays for Lozano and Tverskov, but neither shot resulted in a goal. In the 24th minute, Christopher McVey headed the ball high and to the right.
Although the score remained 0-0 after half an hour of play, it was clear that San Diego was in control of the match. The statistics reflected this dominance: San Diego had 66.3% possession, four corner kicks compared to none for the Rapids, and 12 shot attempts (three on target), while the Rapids managed only one shot.
Lozano’s right-footed shot attempt was blocked by Steffen, which resulted in a corner kick for San Diego. Dreyer took the corner, delivering the ball to the near post. Tverskov then headed it toward an open Christopher McVey in the center, allowing them to take the lead. This was the tall defender’s second goal of the season.
“Obviously, I like to join in when I can,” McVey said about his header goal. He also added that he’s been working on set pieces in training, and said Tverskov gave a “great flick” on the ball.
San Diego FC takes the lead as 6’3” defender Christopher McVey is left unmarked in the box and scores with a header in the 33rd minute. @EVT_News pic.twitter.com/WiVl71MmOd
— Sebastian Sanchez (@Ssanchez_16) May 15, 2025
In the 43rd minute, Mihailovic noticed SDFC’s goalkeeper CJ dos Santos was outside the box and launched a kick close to midfield—dos Santos got back in a rush and made an outstanding save, deflecting the ball away as it hovered the top center of the goal.
An incredible save by CJ dos Santos! San Diego FC retains its lead over Colorado. @EVT_News pic.twitter.com/XzInLX01EJ
— Sebastian Sanchez (@Ssanchez_16) May 15, 2025
That concluded a one-sided first half for San Diego, leading 1-nil.
As the ball rolled to commence the second half, it was much of the same. San Diego was very effective in their possession of the ball. It was only a matter of time before they added some insurance to the scoreboard.
The pivotal moment occurred in the 58th minute. Their skilled goal scorer received a long pass from Tverskov, and Dreyer took it from there. Climbing the right wing, his initial shot hit the left goal post. With the goalkeeper on the ground, he had a second opportunity to score—and he capitalized on it.
Anders Dreyer can find the back of the net. The San Diego FC forward has scored in three consecutive games. He’s at six goals on the season. @EVT_News pic.twitter.com/GybzYxcFsn
— Sebastian Sanchez (@Ssanchez_16) May 15, 2025
Colorado was awarded a penalty kick in the 73rd minute after a handball by defender Willy Kumado. It was a one-on-one situation between Mihailovic and dos Santos. The goalkeeper guessed correctly and blocked the shot, and the San Diegans erupted into cheers.
Dreyer has scored in three consecutive matches and is at six goals on the season.
“It’s always nice to be involved as an offensive player with goals and assists,” Dreyer said when asked about being the team’s leading goalscorer. “But most important for me as a footballer is playing on a successful team.”
dos Santos continues his strong 2025 campaign, totaling 46 saves and five clean sheets.
Varas said dos Santos was a “fireman” tonight, and has been playing at a very high level.
SDFC HC Mikey Varas highlighted Chucky Lozano, Anders Dreyer, and Alex Mighten's ability to create chances, as well as their hustle tonight. Varas also applauded CJ dos Santos for securing a clean sheet. @EVT_News pic.twitter.com/W6GQsScHLP
— Sebastian Sanchez (@Ssanchez_16) May 15, 2025
San Diego had 20 more shot attempts than Colorado, with nine of those shots being on target. They also dominated possession, maintaining the ball for 61.8% of the match—a consistent theme for Varas’ team.
It feels like SDFC could have won by more than two goals, but overall, it was a great team performance.
They will look to extend their winning streak this Saturday, May 17, against a struggling Sporting Kansas City (3-2-8, 11 points). The match will kick off at 7:30 PM at Snapdragon Stadium.
