San Diego FC undefeated run ends with 2-1 loss to Austin FC
Credit: SDFC
San Diego FC played its fifth game in the 2025 MLS regular season this Sunday, March 23, against Austin FC at Q2 Stadium.
With several injuries and both Paddy McNair and Anibal Godoy on international duty, Mikey Varas was forced to make some changes to his lineup.
Willy Kumado and Luca Bombino both once again played as the starting fullbacks, leaving out Franco Negri and Jasper Loffelsend. Ian Pilcher replaced Paddy McNair, while Alejandro Alvarado Jr. came in for Anibal Godoy in the midfield. With Marcus Ingvartsen injured, Onni Valakari formed part of the front three with Tomas Angel and Anders Dreyer.
McNair and Godoy’s absences were especially notable for the team, with the squad losing defensive depth. Ian Pilcher struggled heavily in the first half, and Austin FC scored first in the ninth minute.
Brandon Vazquez finds his first for @AustinFC!
pic.twitter.com/ajVuBMviXO
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 23, 2025
Chula Vista native Brandon Vazquez scored against his hometown team for his first goal with his new team. Diego Rubio recovered the ball in the midfield and launched a long ground pass forward to Vazquez, who found himself through on goal.
Vazquez left the SDFC defense behind and was able to also dribble around CJ dos Santos to fire on an open net. Austin doubled their lead in the 19th minute with a goal by Jon Gallagher.
There were some infantile mistakes by San Diego that made the team look silly on this second goal. Ian Pilcher committed a foul in Austin’s third of the pitch. Owen Wolff took the quick free kick instantly, and San Diego was completely asleep during the play as Gallagher made a run on the right flank.
Gallagher was left alone with CJ dos Santos and finished the scoring opportunity with ease to make it 2-0 Austin.
San Diego kept on fighting after that goal and was able to get one back in the 27th minute. San Diego native Luca de la Torre scored his first goal with his hometown team in what was a very well-crafted play.
Luca de la Torre scores his first for his hometown club to pull one back! pic.twitter.com/tOpZPzibeV
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 23, 2025
With his back to net, Onni Valakari passed the ball to de la Torre on the edge of the box, who fired a shot that was slightly deflected and found the net.
SDFC had a staggering 75-percent possession in the first half, staying true to its style of play, even on the road and with key absences.
This continued in the second half, but despite the possession, Austin was dangerous with every glimpse of the sphere. Brandon Vazquez failed to take advantage of a couple of opportunities, and CJ dos Santos was put to work. In the 68th minute, dos Santos saved a shot in front of net by Osman Bukari.
Mikey Varas made three substitutions in the 64th minute as Hamady Diop, Jasper Loffelsend, and Alex Mighten came on for Ian Pilcher, Willy Kumado, and Tomas Angel. Ian Pilcher struggled in his first start, while Angel was not as effective as he has been in other games. This was Diop’s debut with San Diego FC.
In the 74th minute, Franco Negri replaced Luca Bombino for Varas’ fourth alteration of the game. In the same minute, Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver saved a shot by Anders Dreyer.
In the 81st minute, 16-year-old Anisse Saidi made his professional debut for SDFC, replacing Alejandro Alvarado Jr. Shortly after, Brad Stuver had another impressive stop when he saved a header by Jeppe Tverskov off a free kick.
This was a very frustrating match for SDFC, who had 76-percent possession and 17 shots, but just one goal to show for it. Austin FC came away with a 2-1 win, while the unbeaten run for San Diego came to an end after five games.
The team definitely lost stability without Anibal Godoy in the midfield, which was the most notable absence. Paddy McNair’s leadership and physical presence in the line also left a void on the team.
Anders Dreyer had his least effective game of the season and the SDFC attack had a very frustrating game. SDFC now hosts LAFC at Snapdragon Stadium next Saturday, March 29, looking for the first home win of the season.
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.