San Diego FC begins preseason with 3-1 loss to New York City FC
Credit: SDFC
San Diego FC officially began its preseason ahead of the 2025 MLS season this Saturday, February 8. SDFC is set up at the Empire Polo Fields in Coachella, CA. and played its first preseason match against New York City FC
This was the first time seeing San Diego FC in action against an MLS opponent in any setting. Mikey Varas’ starting 11 was as follows: CJ dos Santos, Alejandro Alvarado, Christopher McVey, Paddy McNair, Franco Negri, Jeppe Tverskov, Anibal Godoy, Tomas Angel, Anders Dreyer, Marcus Ingvartsen, Hirving Lozano.
Precision pass from Chucky to Paddy for the opening goal. 🎯 pic.twitter.com/RWkq4bWCCb
— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) February 8, 2025
San Diego struck first on the scoreboard in the valley with a goal by Paddy McNair in the 19th minute. The scoring play started with a corner kick, with Hirving Lozano generating the drive on the wing and swinging the ball into the penalty area to find McNair.
The Northern Ireland international was able to leap and head the ball into the back of the net for the match’s opening goal. However, New York City responded with two unanswered goals to end the first half with a 2-1 lead.
Alonso Martinez scored the equalizer in the 28th minute with a goal from a shot inside of the penalty area. Malachi Jones fired a shot that was stopped by SDFC goalkeeper CJ dos Santos, but Martinez was there on the rebound for the equalizer.
NYCFC gained the lead in the 39th minute with a goal by Monsef Bakrar via a shot from inside of the box. New York City scored a third unanswered goal in the 65th minute as Alonso Martinez netted his brace with a shot from outside of the box. The strike was an impressive one by the Costa Rican forward, who was easily the best player on the day.
This was a disappointing result for San Diego FC against a New York side that finished sixth in the Eastern Conference last season. SDFC will continue this preseason with a game against Portland Timbers on Wednesday, February 12.
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.