San Diego FC played its first-ever game in MLS on Sunday, February 23, against LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California

SDFC played three MLS opponents in the preseason leading up to this match and enjoyed one win, a 6-0 victory against New York Red Bulls.

San Diego looked very sharp in that victory, and head coach Mikey Varas decided to use the exact lineup that was used against the Red Bulls. CJ does Santos played in the net, with the backline consisting of Jasper Loffelsend, Christopher McVey, Paddy McNair, and Franco Negri. The strong midfield unit was made up of Anibal Godoy, team captain Jeppe Tverskov, and San Diego native Luca de la Torre. The attacking three featured Anders Dreyer, Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, and Marcus Ingvartsen.

Mikey Varas’ very aggressive and offensive tactics were seen in the preseason, and he mentioned his style of play in several interviews. That playing style was very present in this first match, especially in the first half.

San Diego was the far better team in the opening 45 minutes, controlling possession and excelling at touching and moving the sphere. the midfield trio especially looked sharp, with Luca de la Torre really shining and leading the transitions from the backline to the attack.

Godoy and Tverskov really held the midfield together as well, both providing excellent defensive coverage and helping on transitions. The attack was able to generate some dangerous plays but was struggling to get that final touch or pass to convert a goal.

San Diego FC held 59 percent possession in the first half but had no shots on target. However, the Chrome and Azul team were able to neutralize Galaxy’s attack, who really struggled in this match.

The clearest opportunity for the Los Angeles club in the first half came via an off-target Marco Reus free-kick towards the end of the half. Anibal Godoy received a yellow card for the foul that led to the free kick, but luckily for SDFC, it led to nothing on the score sheet.

San Diego’s first-ever first half in an MLS game was awe-inspiring, making the MLS champions look quite ineffective. Starting the second half, LA Galaxy desperately tried to take command of the game but failed to do so.

In the 51st minute, SDFC received a very generous gift from LA Galaxy and used it to score the first goal in franchise history.

Goalkeeper Novak Micovic tried passing the ball to Carlos Garces, who failed to control the sphere and ended up giving the ball to Hirving Lozano. “Chucky” used his quick thinking and immediately passed the ball to Anders Dreyer, who finished the opportunity with ease.

HISTORY. MADE. @sandiegofc’s first-ever goal belongs to Anders Dreyer! pic.twitter.com/Rawi703EQe

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) February 24, 2025

The Border City team was able to take advantage of the Galaxy’s fatal error, which led to this historic moment. Varas made his first two substitutions in the 63rd minute when Onni Valakari and Willy Kumado replaced de la Torre and Negri.

LA Galaxy made some changes as well, which included bringing on former USD Toreros and San Diego Loyal striker Miguel Berry.

However, these changes made no real impact, with SDFC having less possession than in the first half but still generating offensive play. In the 65th minute, Hirving Lozano was denied by Galaxy keeper Novak Micovic, who saved a chipped shot by Chucky with his fingertips.

Lozano kept on generating offense for San Diego with a shot that went over the bar in the 74th minute. In the 85th minute, the Mexican international provided a cross that Paddy McNair was able to head on goal, but the sphere went directly to Micovic’s hands.

LA Galaxy’s clearest scoring opportunity came in the 78th minute when a shot by Berry was easily stopped by CJ dos Santos.

Varas’ final changes in the came were bringing on Alejandro Alvarado Jr., Tomas Angel, and Ian Pilcher for Loffelsend, Lozano, and Godoy. These substitutions really helped maintain the slim scoreline as the home team really pushed for that equalizer in stoppage time.

Instead of the equalizer, Dreyer, via a beautiful counterattack and phenomenal link-up play with Tomas Angel. Angel passed the ball perfectly through Galaxy’s backline to find Dreyer inside of the penalty area, who again finished the opportunity with ease.

ANDERS DREYER SEALS IT!

What a moment for @sandiegofc! pic.twitter.com/41yFDEocTT

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) February 24, 2025

San Diego FC won the game 2-0 and really were dominant against the champions. SDFC had 51 percent possession and really made a statement win in this first-ever match.

Along with the rigid midfield and exciting frontline, the backline really neutralized Galaxy’s attack. This was a perfect start for San Diego FC in what many people believe will be anything but a perfect season. However, if the team can play anything similar to what was seen in this match on a consistent basis, it will be a successful opening campaign.

SDFC now switches focus to the first-ever home game at Snapdragon Stadium this Saturday, March 1, against St. Louis City.

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.