San Diego FC vs LA Galaxy: Historic 2-0 Win for Expansion Team
San Diego FC vs LA Galaxy made history in the most spectacular way possible—by taking down the reigning MLS champions, LA Galaxy, in their first-ever match. The final score? A jaw-dropping 2-0 upset that stunned fans and set the tone for this brand-new franchise. The match, played at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, was meant to be a celebration for both sides. LA Galaxy proudly unveiled their sixth championship banner, while San Diego was just excited to kick off their journey in Major League Soccer. By the end of the night, only one team was celebrating, and it wasn’t the one with the new banner.
The Galaxy’s Changes Prove Costly
Despite their status as defending champs, the Galaxy entered this match with serious concerns. Five of their key players from last season’s title-winning squad were unavailable due to injuries, trades, or transfers. That left them with a roster full of talent but lacking the chemistry and stability they had just a few months ago. On the other side, San Diego FC had everything to prove. Built from the expansion draft and smart signings, they were a complete wild card. No one knew what to expect from them, and maybe that was their biggest advantage.
A Costly Mistake Opens the Door for San Diego
LA Galaxy started the match with their usual confidence, but one major blunder changed everything. In the 52nd minute, Galaxy goalkeeper Novak Micovic attempted to pass the ball to defender Emiro Garces. It was a routine play—until it wasn’t. Garces failed to control the pass, and suddenly, the ball was at the feet of San Diego’s Hirving Lozano. Sensing an opportunity, Lozano wasted no time and quickly found his teammate Anders Dreyer, who hammered the ball into the net with his left foot. Just like that, San Diego had its first-ever MLS goal, and the visitors erupted in celebration.
San Diego’s traveling fans, who had filled several sections of the stadium’s upper deck, went wild. This wasn’t just a goal—it was a statement. A moment that no one in that stadium would forget.
Galaxy Fights Back, But San Diego Holds Strong
After conceding, the Galaxy turned up the pressure. They dominated possession and created several scoring opportunities, but San Diego’s defense held firm. Micovic, looking to redeem himself, made two fantastic saves—first stopping another Dreyer attempt in the 59th minute, then denying Lozano in the 66th.
On the other end, San Diego goalkeeper Carlos Dos Santos was having the game of his life. Making only his third MLS start, he was fearless, pulling off two clutch saves in the 79th and 80th minutes to keep the lead intact. With every stop, San Diego’s confidence grew, and the frustration on LA’s side became more obvious.
Source: Expansion San Diego beats MLS champion Galaxy in franchise opener
The Perfect Counterattack Seals the Win
As the Galaxy desperately searched for an equalizer, they left themselves exposed at the back. San Diego saw their chance and took full advantage in stoppage time. In the 93rd minute, Tomás Ángel sprinted down the right wing on a fast break, defenders scrambling to catch him. He spotted Dreyer running into space and played a perfectly timed pass. Dreyer, already the hero of the night, made no mistake—smashing the ball past Micovic for his second goal. Game over.
That goal didn’t just seal the win. It sent a message: San Diego FC had arrived, and they weren’t here just to make up the numbers.
A New Era Begins in San Diego
What a way to start an MLS journey. San Diego FC came into this match as underdogs, but they walked away as the team everyone is talking about. They played with discipline, heart, and fearlessness—exactly what fans want to see from an expansion team.
Even MLS Commissioner Don Garber, who attended the match, couldn’t hide his excitement. “Bringing MLS to San Diego has been a long-term goal, and seeing this kind of energy tonight proves it was the right move,” Garber said before the game. “You want expansion teams to bring passion and quality, and that’s exactly what San Diego FC did.”
San Diego now looks ahead to its first home match against St. Louis City SC next Saturday. After this performance, their stadium is sure to be packed with fans eager to see their team in action.
As for LA Galaxy, they have work to do. This loss marks their first home defeat since October 21, 2023, and if they want to defend their title, they’ll need to regroup fast. The season is long, but this was a wake-up call.
For San Diego FC, though, this was more than just a game. It was the perfect start to what could be a very exciting new chapter in MLS.
Final Score: San Diego FC 2 – LA Galaxy 0
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