SDFC vs. Minnesota Takeaways & Recap: Dreyer MVP, the Case for CJ dos Santos
San Diego FC
San Diego FC is 10-3-5 at the midway point of the season and sits in second place, only two points behind Vancouver, whom they play next. Not many people expect these kinds of results out of an expansion club, which further proves the testament to the front office staff for putting together such a talented squad.
SDFC are playing on cruise control. They’re doing everything right and beating teams with style and grace. The team is sticking to its core principles and staying true to its style of play, which seems to get better with each game. They’re showing resiliency when they’re down on the scoreboard and trust in each other on the field.
The game against Minnesota United showcased these principles. As always, let’s get into it!
The Case for CJ Dos Santos
It is natural to feel frustrated with a player after he makes a mistake. It’s also natural to want to explore other options after a couple of blunders. I want to reassure you that this should not be the case with CJ dos Santos.
Chris McVey blindly passed a ball back to dos Santos under pressure, and it skipped over the goalkeeper’s foot and into the back of the net. It was, quite possibly, the worst goal of the season. As a youth, you’re taught to pass the ball back outside of the goal so that if the aforementioned scenario happens, the ball goes out of bounds. As players grow professionally, these basic fundamentals are often not followed, resulting in one-offs such as the blunder last Saturday.
https://t.co/QBsYyz6saA pic.twitter.com/w5Ge9FMyYo
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) June 15, 2025
Dos Santos then had another mishap when he was forced to save a low shot from outside of the box. The young goalkeeper couldn’t handle it and spilled it in front of himself, where a dangerous, poaching-type striker, Kelvin Yeboah, tapped in the rebound. Sure, dos Santos could have punched it to the side, but he felt he could hold on to it, and the ball happened to slip out from under him.
These things happen. CJ dos Santos is second in the league for save percentage (77.6%) and second for clean sheets (7). Those numbers helped him convince the San Diego FC front office to extend a long-term contract with the team. Even with his mediocre passing accuracy, dos Santos has done enough to prove he is the right player between the sticks.
Anders Dreyer is the Best Player in MLS
I’m serious. Dreyer is building a compelling MVP case as the top player in MLS this season. He currently leads the league with 14.1 non-penalty expected goals plus expected assists, outpacing Lionel Messi, who sits second at 12.2.
OMGGGGGGGGGG
— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) June 15, 2025
THATS MINNESOTA NICEEEEEEEEEE pic.twitter.com/dXzB2yNE0j
Missing Key Pieces
Minnesota undoubtedly missed their top scorer and top goalkeeper, Tani Oluwaseyi and Dayne St. Clair, respectively. The 5-4-1 formation used by the Loons invites the opposition to control possession and push forward, often giving way to counter-attacking football that they’ve been able to score off of while utilizing their dangerous, top scorer, Oluwaseyi.
Minnesota has been successful in utilizing this strategy against mediocre teams. After all, having a great keeper is a big part of the aforementioned defensive strategy. Good teams, though, know how to take advantage and capitalize on those opportunities. San Diego FC is one of those good teams. It certainly hurt Minnesota not to have the key reliable pieces of their roster while playing their style, but don’t take anything away from the amazing effort put in by San Diego’s attacking style of play.
Wide Play Key in SDFC Win Over Minnesota
San Diego FC played wider and higher than usual in the game against Minnesota, stretching the defense and attacking the flanks. They utilized the right side of the attack approximately 60% of the time, playing through Dreyer and Verhoeven. This proved costly as Minnesota were forced to play wide and gave up space in their defensive end for the SDFC attackers to run into.
“He’s Not Going Anywhere”
Those are the words that came out of Mikey Varas in the post-match presser as he answered a question on Milan Iloski’s future with the club. Although no official word has been given on what the team plans to do with his contract, it’s safe to say that SDFC front office is exploring their options. Milan expressed his desire to stay in San Diego plenty of times during interviews. The Escondido native is enjoying his contributions to the team, playing in front of his family, and living in his hometown.
Iloski continued to prove himself as a ‘super sub’ when he came off the bench at half time and contributed with two goals—first, a header off a beautifully placed cross by Dreyer.
EVERYONE GETS A BRACE (@milaniloski123) pic.twitter.com/3q9GAr5VDh
— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) June 15, 2025
The second?
Well, the second was all him. Iloski collected the ball in his own half and quickly dribbled past a Minnesota defender by using his speed. He got into open space and cut inside, then coolly slotted the ball into the corner of the net to secure the three points in stoppage time.
Limited Roster Spots
If SDFC decide to sign Iloski to an extension after his contract is up at the end of July, what does that do to the roster? Marcus Ingvartsen is back to full health and has ramped up his activity to starter level. By all accounts, it appears that Chucky will be back sooner rather than later, as the Mexican international has been seen conducting solo training on the side during his recovery from a pulled hamstring. Alex Mighten brings a special ability to change the speed of the game with his pace, and will also be fighting for a spot.
Regardless of how things ultimately play out, it’s evident that the club’s front office has a strong grasp on what’s best for San Diego FC. Their track record speaks for itself, particularly with the acquisitions of Bombino and Verhoeven. Both players have not only adapted quickly but earned consistent spots in the starting lineup, reinforcing the front office’s ability to identify and secure talent that fits the team’s identity and long-term vision.
Battle for Best in the West
Next, San Diego travels to Vancouver to play arguably the best team in the league. They’ll have until next Wednesday (6/25) to get ready for it. The longer break will allow players to get more rest, nurse their injuries, and refine their game plan on how to beat one of the toughest teams in the league at home.
San Diego will continue to be without Luca de la Torre and Anibal Godoy due to Gold Cup obligations. Depending on how they’re recovering, Chucky and McNair may get minutes. Vancouver will be without one of the best strikers in the league, Brian White, who is currently representing Team USA along with de la Torre. Wednesday will prove to be a true test of form for both teams to battle it out in determining who holds the crown as the best in the west.
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Dmitry Anisimov is a San Diego native who played soccer up to the college level when he represented the SDSU Men’s Club Soccer team. Growing up in San Diego, Dmitry is a fan of all the home teams but he specifically couldn’t wait until San Diego got an MLS team. Once that dream became reality, Dmitry married his love for writing and the game of soccer to portray a voice of the San Diego soccer community. There is a deep-rooted love of soccer culture in San Diego and Dmitry hopes to bring it to light through his pre and post-game coverage of all things San Diego FC.