San Diego FC face newfound rivals LAFC for first time
Credit: Cedric Jones (CedJay Photography)/EVT Sports
San Diego FC will host LAFC at Snapdragon Stadium for a game in the sixth matchday of the 2025 MLS season this Saturday, March 29.
This is expected to be one of the biggest turnouts at the Mission Valley Fortress this season, given the rivalry that has been brewing between both sides.
There are obvious geographic reasons for the rivalry between San Diego and Los Angeles, along with the competitive aspect of the Western Conference.
San Diego’s own, Luca de la Torre, opens up his scoring account with the club.
lfgsd pic.twitter.com/GEDMzeNtgK
— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) March 23, 2025
San Diego is coming off a 2-1 defeat against Austin FC away from home, the new franchise’s first-ever defeat. SDFC was missing key players like Anibal Godoy, Paddy McNair, Marcus Ingvartsen, and Hirving Lozano.
While Ingavartsen is set to miss plenty of time, Godoy, McNair, and Lozano will all be back for this match. Godoy and McNair are coming off international duty, while “Chucky” is returning from his injury sustained in the game against St. Louis City.
Head coach Mikey Varas confirmed that the Mexican superstar will be available off the bench for San Diego. This is helpful, as the Chrome and Azul side has struggled to generate offensive wing play in Lozano’s absence.
San Diego FC injury updates from HC Mikey Varas, @EVT_News:
Hirving “Chucky” Lozano should be on the bench this week against LAFC.
Andrés Reyes (lower body) is “not there yet, but he’s getting closer.” pic.twitter.com/PWuW84ITER
— Sebastian Sanchez (@Ssanchez_16) March 27, 2025
However, Anibal Godoy’s return seems to be even more substantial, with his absence really evident in the defeat against Austin. The SDFC midfield lost plenty of stability without the Panama international, especially on the defensive side of the pitch.
Ian Pilcher also showcased some of his inexperience in the match against Austin, which will now be replaced by Paddy McNair’s tremendous experience.
Despite the blunders and the loss, San Diego stayed true to its playing style, maintaining possession and controlling the pace of play. LAFC is a team that can adapt depending on the opponent, as SDFC is likely to control possession in this match. The Los Angeles club defeated Columbus Crew 3-0 while only having 32-percent possession back on March 4.
LAFC has not had the best start to the season with two wins and three losses but is coming off a 2-0 away win against Kansas City.
Los Angeles is a star-studded team with a backline commanded by World Cup-winning goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. Another World Cup champion, Olivier Giroud, is expected to return with LAFC for this match after an injury and a ceremony commemorating his goal-scoring record with the French national team.
Giroud is at least expected to be back on the bench with Denis Bouanga also returning from international duty. The young frontline, which was comprised of Nathan Ordaz, David Martinez Morales, and Cengiz Under, looked promising against Kansas City. However, the potential with the superstar veterans is tremendous.
San Diego already defeated LA Galaxy 2-0 in Carson, Calif., and will now hope to defeat the other Los Angeles team. The rivalries are already building between both sides in the stands, and the players recognize that this is a distinct match. SDFC forward Tomas Angel even said that this match is a “new derby”.
San Diego scored its first-ever goal at Snapdragon Stadium in the last home match against Columbus Crew. However, the fans and team now hopes for that elusive first win at the Mission Valley Fortress.
How to Watch
The San Diego FC vs. LAFC match set for this Saturday, March 29 (7:30 p.m. PST) will stream live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+.
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.