Snapdragon Stadium- San Diego, California

San Diego FC lost to the San Jose Earthquakes 1-0 tonight at Snapdragon Stadium. This is the team’s first loss to a California team in its history. After tonight’s game, San Diego FC is still at the top of the Western Conference, but tied with Vancouver at 57 points.  A total of 29,437 fans showed up to support the team and for Fan Appreciation Night, and the supporter section filled completely. 

The San Diego FC attack moved quickly, with a great run from Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, and a shot that was just wide of the right goal post. The home team pressured the Earthquakes off the ball, but when San Diego gained possession, the attack was unable to create meaningful chances. 

At 14 minutes in, the Earthquakes took the lead with a shot from Josef Martinez. Martinez made a great run behind center backs Manu Duah and Christopher McVey, who were caught flat-footed. 

Now trailing, the scoreline kick-started SDFC’s energy. Right back Aiden Harangi linked up with right winger Anders Dreyer with great overlapping runs that turned into crosses and through balls in front of the goal. However, the visitor’s back line denied San Diego any shots on target.

Center back McVey grew impatient and dribbled the ball up the center of the pitch. He delivered a great back pass, which was shot just to the right of the goal. 

Throughout the first half, every player in Azul and Chrome on the field pushed hard for a goal, with nine total shots from the team. However, none were able to convert to equalize the game.

Second Half Begins

The second half opened similarly to the first, with Dreyer launching an aggressive attacking run. Dreyer’s shot was just inches away from the left goal post. 

Fifteen minutes into the half, head coach Mikey Varas brought on substitutions to solve the goalscoring problem. Alex Mighten came in for Amahl Pellegrino, who struggled to connect with the crosses created by his teammates. Luca de la Torre replaced Anibal Godoy, bringing a greater focus to the attack from midfield. 

A few minutes later, Varas also replaced both fullbacks. Willy Kumado and Franco Negri came on for Ian Pilcher and Aiden Harangi, with hopes that their fresh energy would bring more attacking opportunities from the wings. 

The substitute energy showed on the pitch. The team created seven additional shots, but none of them converted into goals. Any forward progression from the San Jose Earthquakes was stopped by center backs Duah and McVey. 

Jeppe Tverskov talks about the game tonight, and the lack of finishing.@EVT_News pic.twitter.com/ykQH6XrOqw

— Jenny Furrer (@JennyFurrer619) September 28, 2025

With only ten minutes left of the half, Varas brought on striker David Vazquez to relieve Lozano. The team continued to press forward, swinging crosses into the box, but the equalizer was never found. The team only lacked finishing tonight, but the lack of goals lost them their unbeaten record against California teams. 

Mikey Varas talks about improving the teams mentality when they are down a goal.@EVT_News pic.twitter.com/axYAEdYgNf

— Jenny Furrer (@JennyFurrer619) September 28, 2025

Jenny Furrer

Jenny is a San Diego native, athlete, and local sports fanatic. She covers San Diego FC and San Diego Wave.