San Diego FC hosted the Vancouver Whitecaps at Snapdragon Stadium for the MLS Western Conference title this Saturday, November 29.

SDFC defeated Portland and Minnesota in the playoffs to get to this match and had looked excellent in those previous games.

The atmosphere had also been excellent at Snapdragon Stadium in the previous three playoff games, and that stayed consistent for this game. Mikey Varas used the same starting 11 that was able to get past Minnesota with the attacking trio of Anders Dreyer, Amahl Pellegrino, and Corey Baird.

San Diego had not lost to Vancouver in the regular season with a 5-3 win in Canada and a 1-1 draw in Mission Valley. However, this game was wildly different than the previous encounters with Vancouver scoring two goals within 11 minutes of play.

Field looking much better than on Monday. All set for #SDFC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps for a spot in the #MLS Cup final.@EVT_News pic.twitter.com/6l89CwRfot

— Francisco Velasco (@FranciscoEfV) November 30, 2025

The first goal came in the eighth minute thanks to an immense individual effort by Andres Cubas. The Paraguayan midfielder applied plenty of pressure and connected on some one-two passes with his teammates to eventually cross the ball into the box.

Brian White came in with plenty of force, sliding into the sphere and putting the ball into the back of the net.

The scoring play featured some sloppy defensive work by SDFC, and that was amplified in the second goal of the match. Emmanuel Sabbi shot the goal towards the net, but was denied by Pablo Sisniega. However, Ali Ahmed was able to get a shot off the rebound, and that ended up in the net.

We’re not sure what just happened but it’s 2-0 just 10 minutes in. Wow.@WhitecapsFC // Audi MLS Cup Playoffs pic.twitter.com/MqxmoNdTlU

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 30, 2025

Manu Duah and Christopher McVey tried clearing the ball, but it ended up bouncing off Sisniega and into the net.

Vancouver really fought for possession even after that goal and was successful in maintaining it for a while. San Diego eventually played their usual game and ended up with the majority of the possession in the half.

However, just before the half ended, Brian White scored his second goal of the match in stoppage time. Ali Ahmed weaved down the left wing and was able to cross the ball to White, who made contact with his chest for the goal.

It was a crushing result for San Diego at the half, especially that third goal that made the comeback seem hopeless after the first 45 minutes.

Mikey Varas made some necessary changes for SDFC at the half as Hirving Lozano, Franco Negri, and Luca de la Torre came on for Corey Baird, Ian Pilcher, and Anibal Godoy.

To no surprise, “Chucky” was the big x-factor and scored San Diego’s first goal of the night in the 60th minute. Lozano launched a lobbed shot from the edge of the penalty area that floated perfectly past Yohei Takaoka for the 3-1 result.

ELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

CHUCKY

LOZANOOOOOOOOOOO pic.twitter.com/qgYFL4kqM7

— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) November 30, 2025

Time stopped for a moment at Snapdragon Stadium as the tone shifted, and hope was restored in that moment for the home side. The two-goal deficit was still significant with just 30 minutes left against a team like Vancouver.

San Diego kept on pushing, but all hope was again lost in the 79th minute when Pablo Sisniega received a red card. The SDFC goalkeeper made a last-man challenge on Ryan Gauld that was very clearly deserving of the expulsion.

Former San Diego Loyal goalkeeper Duran Ferree came on for Amahl Pellegrino to make his MLS debut. While that was a nice moment for the San Diego soccer scene, the game was well beyond put away by the visitors at this point.

The atmosphere stayed vibrant at the Mission Valley Fortress, but San Diego’s efforts were to no avail. Down to 10 men, it was an arduous task to keep a competitive match on the field.

All in all magnificent first year for San Diego FC. Set a record for points (63) and wins (19) for an expansion club in its first year. Team says goodbye to the fans.@EVT_News pic.twitter.com/CZ2rBOkfQ5

— Francisco Velasco (@FranciscoEfV) November 30, 2025

Vancouver came away with the 3-1 win and were crowned MLS Western Conference champions at Snapdragon Stadium. While the result was a disappointing one for SDFC, the season was miraculous for an expansion club in its first year of competition.

San Diego finished top of the Western Conference table and set a record for most points (63) and wins (19) by an expansion club in its first year. SDFC built an identity in this league with a very characteristic playing style that stayed consistent. San Diego earned respect around the league, and Mikey Varas certainly proved himself at this level.

It was a very successful first year for SDFC, which also managed to win the heart of the city and will certainly find more support in the coming years. Now the team will need to look forward to next year, in what will be a monumental year for soccer in the United States.

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.