SDFC’s Onni Valakari included in Team of the Matchday with Lionel Messi
Credit: SDFC
Onni Valakari scored the historic first-ever goal for San Diego FC at Snapdragon Stadium this past Saturday, March 15.
The Finnish midfielder headed a ball into the back of the net off a corner kick well-executed by Luca de la Torre.
Valakari did not initially start the match but came in for Marcus Ingvartsen, who appeared to have picked up an injury in the first half. The 25-year-old playmaker really changed the dynamic going forward for San Diego and provided much more creativity in the final third.
DON’T SAY IT
DON’T SAY IT
DON’T SAY IT
DON’T SAY ITwhat a FINNISH by VALAKARI pic.twitter.com/xlGm7TjUOy
— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) March 16, 2025
For his efforts in this match, Valakari was included in MLS’s Team of the Matchday for the fourth matchday of the 2025 season. Lionel Messi was notably included in the team for scoring a stunning goal in Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory against Atlanta United.
The full team is as follows: ZackSteffen, Jon Gallagher, Tristan Blackmon, Andrew Gutman, Onni Valakari, Eduard Lowen, Eduard Atuesta, Diego Luna, Lionel Messi, Sam Surridge, Tani Oluwaseyi.
The best players from Matchday 4.
: https://t.co/Q421PiiX12 pic.twitter.com/8ZojqIKP90
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 17, 2025
Head coach Mikey Varas made note of Valakari’s effort following the match against Columbus Crew. Varas said, “He’s made a big impact in two games. He’s sending a message to the coaching staff that he wants to be a starter. The best way to send these messages is to impact the game.”
Onni Valakari also talked about his historic goal. “To score a goal, obviously our first of the year (at home), it’s something special. Opens up the box for us that we can score even more goals. I think I’ll probably show my kids my children this goal and the fans in the stadium erupted, it was a nice feeling”, said Valakari.
Onni Valakari: I’ll probably show my children this goal. After scoring the first-ever goal for #SDFC at Snapdragon Stadium.@EVT_News pic.twitter.com/qLxTct5zU3
— Francisco Velasco (@FranciscoEfV) March 16, 2025
Both Valakari and Varas expressed disappointment in the draw despite the first goal at Snapdragon Stadium. The response from the fans seemed to be mostly positive with the unbeaten streak still in tact after this result.
SDFC will now prepare for a tough away match against Austin FC without Anibal Godoy and Paddy McNair, who will be on international duty. It is unclear if Marcus Ingvartsen will be available to play in this game or even if Varas decides to just play Valakari after his goal.
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.