CHROMATIC FC – All Things San Diego FC

Chromaniacs

Tag: mls

  • LA Galaxy Defeated Again

    San Diego FC (SDFC) triumphed over LA Galaxy with a 2-1 home victory that culminated in a thrilling finish. This memorable match unfolded for me in an Atlanta hotel room with a bottle of Yuengling, shortly after attending a Braves vs. Padres game. My girlfriend Monica and I watched the entire game, sharing in the excitement as the final whistle blew.

    LA Scores First

    LA Galaxy started the first half aggressively. In the third minute, Maya Yoshida of LA Galaxy intercepted a pass from Chris McVey. Yoshida’s quick shot, with goalkeeper CJ dos Santos off his line, missed wide left but established the Galaxy’s offensive intent early in the match. In the first half, LA Galaxy matched SDFC with five total shots and one shot on target. San Diego had only one more shot inside the box, totaling four.

    Galaxy’s most significant play of the half occurred in the 40th minute, demonstrating their patient attacking strategy of maintaining possession and resetting when necessary to create desired opportunities. Marco Reus received the ball on the far side and quickly passed it to Gabriel Pec, who then returned it to Reus. Reus subsequently found Diego Fagundez centrally near the penalty area. Although SDFC right-back Willy Kumado was marking Fagundez, a step towards John Nelson, who was running on the flank, created a defensive breakdown for SDFC. This momentary lapse left Fagundez unmarked, allowing him to patiently take his shot. Fagundez capitalized on the opportunity, hitting the upper right corner of the net, out of reach of goalkeeper dos Santos, to score his third goal of the season and give the Galaxy an early 1-0 lead.

    Defenders eyes are all on Reus who will pass the ball through to Fagundez. Plenty of space in between Willy and McVey

    SDFC Answers Back

    San Diego FC responded swiftly. After the goal, SDFC restarted play with possession. The ball was moved to Jeppe Tverskov, then to Willy Kumado on the near side. Willy passed the ball back to Chris McVey, who then passed it left to Paddy McNair. McNair returned the pass to McVey, who sent it centrally towards Tverskov on Galaxy’s side of the pitch. Tverskov then passed to Willy on the near side for a second time. This time, Willy threaded the ball through multiple defenders into open space near the penalty area for Tverskov. Luca De La Torre made a run inside the penalty box, receiving Tverskov’s pass. De La Torre’s excellent finish, sending the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs and into the net, leveled the score at 1-1. For Tverskov, he made some moves off the ball that is best seen below and explained by Joseph Lowery.

    Click on the picture for the link to the post

    This was Luca De La Torre’s third goal of the season and his second shot of the half. In this match, Luca achieved a season-high of three shots and recorded the most touches in the penalty area with five. He also had four carries into the final third, his second-highest all season as a midfielder. As noted by John Gennaro in his recap and the Apple Broadcast team, De La Torre’s recent call-up to the U.S. Men’s National Team may provide extra motivation, highlighting his need for more touches in the final third.

    Chucky Lozano: The Legend Grows

    Chucky Lozano delivered a quintessential performance. He led the team with five shots and fifteen progressive receptions. Notably, Lozano received a yellow card in the 29th minute. Despite this, coach Mikey Varas kept Chucky in the game, and Lozano proved instrumental in key moments.

    In the 64th minute, as LA Galaxy cleared a corner kick, their goalkeeper threw the ball towards Diego Fagundez. Chucky saw an opportunity and executed a hard, clean slide tackle on Fagundez, winning the ball. Though a fleeting thought of another yellow card crossed my mind, the referee allowed play to continue.

    Another crucial defensive play occurred in the 83rd minute following an SDFC short corner kick, which resulted in a quick loss of possession. Gabriel Pec gained possession, leading to a footrace between Pec and Chucky. Lozano expertly caught up to Pec and executed a low tackle, targeting the ball cleanly. Upon regaining possession, Lozano was immediately fouled by Marco Reus, who received a yellow card. Lozano’s incredible effort and determination were evident in this play, as he not only retrieved the ball defensively for San Diego but did so without committing another foul. This marked Lozano’s second tackle win of the match, which lead the team. His defensive prowess positioned the team favorably, preventing another goal and enabling them to pursue the win.

    In stoppage time, during an LA Galaxy transition, Isaiah Parente attempted a pass into the final third from the far side. Luca Bambino successfully cleared Parente’s pass, sending it to LA’s side of the pitch. Carlos Garces, receiving the clearance, attempted to clear the ball himself, but this proved to be a significant mistake, as the ball ended up deeper in LA’s territory. Anders Dreyer, the closest player to the ball, cut back in front of a defender near the penalty area and sent a cross just outside the six-yard box for Chucky Lozano to head in the late winning goal. This brought the final score to 2-1 and marked Chucky Lozano’s fifth goal of the season. Chucky Lozano and Anders Dreyer are now among the top 40 players with four or more goals this season.

    Up Next: Seattle Sounders

    The Seattle Sounders are currently dealing with several key injuries. Paul Arriola is out for the season with a torn ACL, while Jordan Morris and Jackson Ragen are both sidelined indefinitely with hamstring issues. Despite these setbacks, the Sounders are currently 5th in the Western Conference and have played well since their last encounter with San Diego FC. In their last eight matches, Seattle has recorded five wins, two draws, and only one loss. During this period, their goal differential is +6, and they have secured three clean sheets. Daniel Musovski and Albert Rusnak have been particularly impactful offensively in the last eight matches, each scoring five goals. Rusnak has been especially impressive, scoring the Sounders’ last four goals in matches against the Houston Dynamo, Portland Timbers, and FC Dallas. Musovski was absent from the FC Dallas game over the weekend due to a hip injury, making his availability for the upcoming Wednesday match against San Diego uncertain.

    Announcement

    I will be joining forces with Craig Elsten and Tony Sanchez to launch a new weekly podcast, “Chromaniacs: A San Diego FC Podcast.” Craig is well-known for his play-by-play with the San Diego Sockers and as the PA announcer for the San Diego Wave. He also hosts “Padres Hot Tub,” a weekly podcast dedicated to all things Padres. Tony has dedicated over five years to covering San Diego soccer for SanDiego.Futbol, with extensive experience reporting on San Diego Loyal, 1904 FC, San Diego Wave, and San Diego FC. You can also catch Tony’s weekly podcast on SanDiego.Futbol.

    Our first episode, scheduled for release later this week, will feature a recap of the match against the Seattle Sounders and a preview of the upcoming game against Austin FC. This new venture will not change the current Substack. I will continue to provide my analysis through match recaps, previews, and other content. The podcast offers an additional platform for discussing the team with two experienced voices covering San Diego sports. I will provide links to all podcast episodes in my most recent posts. I am very excited to team up with Craig and Tony to give insights on San Diego FC.

  • Victory in St. Louis

    First and foremost, I joined John Gennaro from Section 1904 for a post game recap, directly after the match. You can listen here to get our thoughts. John and Darren Smith should have more insights from this match this week. I suggest you follow Section 1904 for more.

    San Diego FC defeated St. Louis City 2-1 on the road, marking their first road win since March 8th. San Diego faced challenges in the first half, struggling to create shot opportunities, but improved in the second half. The win was hard-earned, as St. Louis City presented significant obstacles.

    St. Louis City started the match strongly, maintaining possession in San Diego’s half of the field in the opening minutes. This pattern defined the first half, with San Diego frequently giving the ball away to St. Louis, allowing them to advance into potential shot attempts. In the first half, St. Louis intercepted the ball 6 times compared to San Diego’s 3, entered San Diego’s penalty area 12 times versus San Diego’s 6, and out shot San Diego 8 to 1. San Diego held 54% of possession in the first half but struggled to create chances, relying on long passes to stretch St. Louis’s defense. San Diego attempted 28 long passes and completed 14. Neither team had an accurate through pass into the penalty area in the first half. San Diego, known for playing out from the back, had goalkeeper dos Santos kick the ball away twice. The average length of these kicks was 43.5 yards, the highest for dos Santos this season.

    Early on, St Louis kept their shape compact and their backline intact.

    One minute into the second half, Anibal Godoy passed to Chucky Lozano inside St. Louis’s penalty area, but Lozano’s shot went wide left. San Diego’s offense improved in the second half, taking 14 shots with 3 on target. In the 78th minute, San Diego nearly scored when Timo Baumgarti’s movement created a gap, and Godoy passed to Luca de la Torre, who found Anders Dreyer. However, Dreyer’s chance was disrupted by the goalkeeper sliding in and kicking the ball out. The ball bounced over to Milan Iloski. Iloski, who was subbed in in the 79th minute for Valakari, would attempt a shot on an open goal but hit the side of the net. A minute later, San Diego’s high press led to their first goal. Iloski pressed the defender, forcing a pass to goalkeeper Benjamin Lundt, who passed to Kyle Hiebert. Heibert was pressed by Lozano and had to kick the ball quickly. Hiebert’s clearance went between Jeppe Tverskov and Luca de la Torre, and de la Torre passed to Godoy, who quickly set up Milan Iloski to score from just outside the penalty area. This was Iloski’s second consecutive game with a goal, both times as a substitute. San Diego took a 1-0 lead due to the high press forcing a mistake.

    Timo Baumgarti, (Blue Square) left his line to defend Iloski. A gap opened between the defender and Dreyer (Blue Circle)

    San Diego extended their lead in the 87th minute. Goalkeeper dos Santos passed to Luca Bambino, who passed to Chucky Lozano. Under pressure, Lozano passed back to Paddy McNair, who kicked the ball away into City’s side of the pitch. Joshua Yaro mishandled the ball, and Anders Dreyer was able to recover the loose ball. Dreyer would dribble towards the near side post and waited for help. He then decided to shoot the ball and it cleared between the left post and the goalkeeper. Dreyer scored his 5th goal of the season. This goal resulted from another crucial mistake by St. Louis’s backline with Yaro having a poor touch on the ball. The second goal of the night for SDFC turned out to be a crucial one.

    St. Louis scored in stoppage time through Kyle Hiebert, following a free kick by captain Marcel Hartel. Hartel’s kick came in hot towards the penalty area. Cedric Teuchert attempted to head the ball in but was deflected by dos Santos. The deflection went to Conrad Wallem, whose header went to the right post. The ball deflected from the post to Kyle Hiebert, who scored. Dos Santos got a hand on the ball, but it still went in. San Diego was able to close out the match with all three points.

    San Diego outperformed their expected goals (xG) of 1.1, scoring 2 actual goals, while St. Louis had 2.5 expected goals and only scored one. St. Louis created many opportunities in the penalty area but often failed to convert, with shots going wide or being saved by dos Santos.

    Luca Bambino’s performance was notable. MLS Analytics, a Bluesky account I follow, is similar to the SABR community in baseball. This account ranked Bambino highly in Goals Added (G+). G+ measures a player’s total on-ball contribution in attack and defense. I have an example where Bambino contributed on attack and defense. Bambino made a crucial defensive play in the 66th minute. After an SDFC corner kick was cleared away and sent out to Tomas Ostrak, Ostrak dribbled the ball to midfield and attempted to pass to Cedric Teuchert, but Bambino covered Teuchert and cleared the ball. Good to point out that Bambino was the last man to beat and if City connected with that pass to Teuchert, it would have been a shot on goal. After a few passes between SDFC players, Bambino received the ball and delivered an accurate long pass to Anders Dreyer near the penalty area. Nothing happened after Dreyer dribbled the ball but Bambino put the team in a great position for a shot on goal by getting a pass in the final third. Throughout the match, Bambino would positioned himself as an additional attacking option and did take a shot that missed wide. Bambino would finish the match with 75 touches (3rd most on the team), 4 tackles won, 2 Blocks, 1 interception and 3 clearances. Bambino’s performance suggests he has played well and should have that left-back position locked up. He’s earned it.

    Looking ahead, San Diego FC will face the Colorado Rapids in their first-ever weekday match. With 9 of their 11 starters playing the full 90 minutes in the St. Louis game, coach Mikey Varas is expected to make changes to the starting lineup. The previous match between San Diego and Colorado was a 3-2 loss for San Diego in Colorado. That match included a questionable penalty awarded in the 37th minute. Luca de la Torre scored for San Diego to tie the game 1-1 in the second half, but Colorado scored two quick goals in the 53rd and 60th minutes. Tomas Angel scored a late goal in the 89th minute, but San Diego couldn’t complete the comeback. The Rapids are currently on a two-game losing streak and haven’t won since facing San Diego last month.

  • San Diego FC’s Complete Game

    San Diego FC delivered an exciting 5-0 victory against FC Dallas on Saturday. The offensive performance, spearheaded by Chucky Lozano and Anders Dreyer, was a key factor in San Diego finally achieving a complete game. The tactical changes implemented in the front line proved to be significant.

    This week’s starting XI featured a couple of adjustments: Alex Mighten started on the right wing, and Anders Dreyer moved into a central forward position. This was a clear attempt to jumpstart the offense. The expectation was that Dreyer, positioned centrally, would have increased opportunities to score from either side. Mighten’s speed could stretch the defense in the final third, while Lozano’s passing ability would provide scoring chances, setting up Dreyer in the center.

    Heatmap from last match against RSL (4/26). More touches to the left
    Heatmap against FC Dallas. More midfield touches and touches to the right

    The impact of Alex Mighten on the right side was quickly apparent. In the 11th minute, Anibal Godoy, on the far side of the pitch, sent a cross-field pass to Mighten on the near side. This was a change from the previous week, where San Diego FC heavily relied on moving the ball to the left due to congestion in the midfield. Godoy delivered an excellent pass to Mighten, finding him at his feet. Mighten attempted to dribble past two defenders to cross into the penalty area but was pushed down. The cross narrowly missed Chucky Lozano. This early attacking sequence highlighted the significance of getting the ball to Mighten on the right. The second time Mighten received the ball, he drove into the penalty area and was fouled, earning San Diego FC a penalty kick. Lozano took the penalty and scored his fourth goal of the season.

    Tverskov found Dreyer (Inside the blue box) down the middle

    Lozano’s second goal showcased San Diego FC’s beautiful build-up play from the back. The sequence began in the 25th minute with a throw-in from Willy Kumado to Chris McVey. McVey passed to Paddy McNair, who passed back to goalkeeper CJ dos Santos. Then, dos Santos passed to McVey on the near side. McVey passed to Godoy, who gave a quick touch to Jeppe Tverskov. Tverskov immediately sent a pass down the middle of the pitch to Anders Dreyer. Dreyer dribbled downfield with Mighten to his right. Mighten drew his defender wide to the near side, creating space. Dreyer passed to Lozano, who took a touch to draw the FC Dallas goalkeeper out, creating more room for his shot. Lozano finished with excellent poise, and Dreyer demonstrated the effectiveness of playing him in a more central role.

    Mighten took #3 of FC Dallas with him. Left a big open space in the middle for Lozano

    In the second half, San Diego FC maintained their offensive pressure. In the 55th minute, FC Dallas had a free kick. FC Dallas center-back Sebastien Ibeagha had the ball at midfield, and as soon as he passed to Lalas Abubakar to his right, San Diego FC’s high press began. Lozano went straight for Abubakar, who passed to Shaq Moore. Moore was met by Lucas Bambino, which caused an off-balance pass downfield and possession given to San Diego FC. Paddy McNair passed downfield to Chucky, who passed to Valakari, who immediately passed it back to Lozano. As Lozano advanced towards the goal, the defender marking Dreyer was drawn to Chucky, leaving Dreyer open for a pass and a shot. Dreyer shot and scored his fourth goal of the season. Later, in the 72nd minute, Dallas attempted to advance into the penalty area, but Luciano Acosta lost possession to Luca Bambino. Paddy McNair gained control and passed to Luca De La Torre in the middle of the pitch. San Diego FC demonstrated great control of the midfield with a series of eight passes before getting the ball to Lozano on the near side. Lozano then passed centrally to Dreyer. Dreyer drew the attention of the backline, leaving Onni Valakari (who had come on for the injured Alex Mighten) wide open to his right. Valakari immediately shot and scored San Diego FC’s fourth goal. These last three goals showcased the varied ways San Diego FC’s attack can break down a defense.

    In the 87th minute, with FC Dallas attempting to score, Chris McVey cleared the ball to the far side of the pitch. Dreyer gained control and passed to Milan Iloski in the center. Iloski, who had come on in the 81st minute for Chucky Lozano, dribbled for about fifteen yards before passing to Valakari. Valakari passed it slightly wide right, where only Iloski could reach it. Iloski then took his shot inside the penalty area and scored. The goal and finish were spectacular, and Iloski’s celebration was equally memorable. Iloski immediately pointed to and kissed the team badge before celebrating with the fans in the stands. For the Escondido native, scoring for his hometown team was clearly a significant moment.

    Fans witnessed San Diego FC at their best. Lozano scored two goals and had one assist, Dreyer had one goal and two assists, and Onni Valakari contributed a goal and an assist off the bench. The two designated players up front demonstrated exceptional skill and synergy. The defense showed significant improvement compared to their previous three matches. Their shape was much more compact, effectively disrupting Luciano Acosta’s ability to find gaps and pass into the penalty area. CJ dos Santos recorded another clean sheet. This 5-0 victory represented San Diego FC’s first complete game, leaving a very positive impression. Their next match is against St. Louis City.

  • Matchday Preview: SDFC vc FC Dallas

    This marks my inaugural MLS season where I’ve tuned into every match since the opening whistle. With San Diego now fielding a team in the league, following the action has become considerably easier. However, my introduction to MLS wasn’t in San Diego; it happened years ago in another market, and coincidentally, it involved FC Dallas.

    Let’s Take It Back

    The year was 2017, roughly a year and a half into my time as a resident of San Jose, CA, and a student at San Jose State University. Around that time, San Diego was undergoing significant changes. The Chargers had recently announced their departure for Los Angeles in January of that year. Discussions had begun regarding the future of the Mission Valley land. “SoccerCity” emerged as a potential solution, proposing the renovation of the abandoned stadium to bring an MLS team to San Diego. This SoccerCity initiative was slated for a vote in 2018. At the time, I viewed bringing a soccer team to San Diego as a positive development, though my knowledge of soccer and the league was limited. My exposure to the sport began in 2016 with Tottenham, but I was a very casual observer. Concepts like the Premier League table, the significance of the Champions League, and other European tournaments were unfamiliar to me. Consequently, I felt the need to learn more about the sport and the league that might soon have a team in my hometown.

    Btw, I never received this scarf.

    I started by going to a match. Fortunately for me, a few San Jose Earthquake reps came to my school to talk about the Earthquakes’ SJSU night. I jumped at the chance to go to a match. The San Jose Earthquakes were going to play against the 2016 Supporters Shields winners, FC Dallas. I was excited. I showed up early so I can check out the largest outdoor bar inside of Avaya Stadium (now called Paypal Park). I walked around the stadium to get a good view of the place. I kept mental notes that probably some day, San Diego may have a similar soccer specific stadium. I went over to my seat and I didn’t realize it at the time but my seat was right in the supporters section. That is where I learned that the supporters group never stops cheering and singing. I came away really impressed by the San Jose Ultras because they were keeping the energy up for a stadium that was half full. I’m not going to lie and say that San Jose had an electric atmosphere from the start of the match. They didn’t. In fact most of the match was kinda boring. I noticed right away that the MLS wasn’t as great as the other league I watch. The passing itself was just off. FC Dallas completed 62% of their passing that night and it really showed. The first goal of the match came in the 78th minute when Kellyn Acosta scored for FC Dallas. A thought came to me that maybe I should get a head start on traffic but something kept me from leaving early. I wanted to stay for the entire match. I’m glad I did because the sideline referee gave 4 minutes of stoppage time. In the final seconds of stoppage time, the goalkeeper for San Jose kicked it as far as he could. It looked like a Hail Mary pass. A San Jose player headed the ball towards the penalty area. The ball took a few bounces where Jahmir Hyka of San Jose would shoot and score the equalizer. The supporters section erupted and so did I. The rest of the remaining fans jumped and cheered.

    I believe since that moment, I have been hooked on soccer. I’m chasing the same sensation I felt that night in San Jose but every night. The jumping, the cheering, the ability to lose your mind when you see the ball go to the back of the net as your team scores a goal. It’s all part of the fandom. You see the players celebrate the goal and you just want to celebrate with them. That’s what I like about soccer and that’s why I enjoy watching San Diego FC and Tottenham. I’m just chasing the high of the goal.

    FC Dallas in 2025

    Now, fast forward to the present day, and FC Dallas finds themselves in 6th place in the Western Conference, just ahead of the newly formed San Diego FC. Dallas is riding high after an incredible come-from-behind victory against Inter Miami. Trailing 3-1 in the second half, they managed to stage a remarkable turnaround, securing a 4-3 win on the road in Miami.

    A key aspect of FC Dallas’ success this season has been their strong away form. They remain undefeated on the road, having accumulated 12 points with 3 wins and 3 draws. Their style of play is characterized by a willingness to sit back and defend resolutely. This defensive solidity is reflected in their league ranking; they are third in tackles won this season with 120, with a significant 87 of those tackles occurring in their own defensive third. Playing deeper necessitates effective clearance of the ball, and FC Dallas ranks second in the league with an impressive 334 clearances. San Diego FC, with their possession-based offensive approach, will undoubtedly look to create opportunities in the final third. However, their success will hinge on their ability to penetrate FC Dallas’ well-organized backline.

    Key Players

    One of the linchpins of the FC Dallas defense this season has been the newcomer, Osaze Urhoghide. The 24-year-old center-back joined the club from French Ligue 2 side Amiens. Prior to that, he gained experience playing for Sheffield Wednesday in England and Oostende in Belgium, where he notably recorded 89 clearances in the 2022-2023 season. Osaze has seamlessly translated his defensive prowess to MLS. This season, he has been a constant presence for FC Dallas, playing every single minute of all 10 matches. Beyond his defensive duties, Osaze is also comfortable on the ball, ranking second on the team with 415 completed passes. He leads the team in completed passes between 15-30 yards with 248 and is third with 20 passes into the final third. Defensively, his impact is undeniable; he is third in the league with 70 clearances and has won the most aerial duels for his team with 29.

    Adding another dimension to FC Dallas is the experienced Argentine striker, Luciano Acosta. The 30-year-old is in his first season with the club, following successful stints with FC Cincinnati and D.C. United, as well as a period in Mexico with Atlas. Acosta’s MLS pedigree is significant, boasting 75 goals and 74 assists across nine seasons. His exceptional 2023 season with FC Cincinnati earned him the Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player award, where he registered 17 goals and 10 assists in all competitions. This season for FC Dallas, Acosta has already contributed 3 goals and leads the team with 6 shots on target. His creativity is evident in his league-ranking fifth position for shot-creating actions with 47. Acosta possesses a dynamic and inventive playing style, with a knack for unlocking defenses and setting up scoring opportunities for his teammates. San Diego FC will need to be acutely aware of his movements and ensure they maintain a compact defensive shape to avoid him exploiting any potential gaps, a lesson perhaps learned from their last three matches.

  • Matchday Preview: SDFC hosts Real Salt Lake

    For the first time in their regular season history, San Diego FC will face an opponent for the second time: Real Salt Lake. This Matchday Preview will differ from previous ones. Typically, I delve into the team’s history, highlight interesting facts, and discuss key players. However, given SDFC’s recent encounter with RSL, this preview will look into SDFC’s previous success against them and examine RSL’s recent performance.

    In their previous matchup, San Diego FC secured an impressive 3-1 victory over Real Salt Lake in Salt Lake City. Despite conceding an early goal to Ariath Piol in the 17th minute, SDFC rallied to win.

    The opening goal resulted from Franco Negri’s positioning; he played more centrally than necessary and failed to mark his player out wide. This mispositioning allowed Dominik Marczuk to gain control of the ball just outside the 18-yard box. Marczuk then passed into the penalty area, finding Piol, who scored.

    SDFC’s backline in the first match featured a standard formation: Paddy McNair and Chris McVey at center back, Franco Negri at left back, and Jasper Loffelsend at right back. With Andres Reyes now recovered from injury, Head Coach Mikey Varas may consider starting Reyes. This could provide Varas with more options at left back, including McVey, Negri, or Luca Bambino.

    Franco Negri redeemed himself with SDFC’s second goal. Just before halftime, Negri, in possession on RSL’s side of the field, passed to Marcus Ingvartsen and then advanced towards the penalty area. Ingvartsen passed wide to Tomas Angel, who then delivered a pass into the box, where Negri headed the ball into the net. It’s unusual to see a left back positioned like a striker in the penalty area during live play, especially outside of set-piece situations. However, Negri’s excellent positioning allowed him to score unmarked.

    Furthermore, despite criticism of SDFC’s build-from-the-back strategy, this goal sequence originated in SDFC’s own penalty area and involved multiple touches within the backline, including goalkeeper dos Santos, before a long pass was played out to Negri.

    Late in the game, Mikey Varas substituted fresh players as fatigue set in due to the high elevation in Salt Lake City. One impactful substitution was Willy Kumado, who made a significant contribution in stoppage time. Kumado effectively dribbled past a defender. He then passed into the box, where Ingvartsen’s attempt missed, but Anders Dreyer scored. Another substitute, Onni Valakari, assisted Marcus Ingvartsen’s goal.

    SDFC demonstrated superior attacking prowess compared to Real Salt Lake in the previous match. San Diego completed 70% of their passes in the final third and registered 12 shots in the box. In contrast, RSL completed 56% of their passes in the final third and only had 6 shots in the box. Anders Dreyer and Diego Goncalves were the top shot creators, with 6 shots each.

    Real Salt Lake’s Recent Form

    Since their previous game against San Diego, Real Salt Lake has earned 6 points in 6 matches. That is just 2 wins and 4 losses. In their 4 losses, RSL has been shut out 3 times and has scored a total of 5 goals in these 6 matches. Overall, Real Salt Lake ranks 25th in the league with 7 goals scored. Their passes into the penalty area have been ineffective, ranking 28th in the league, and they are 27th in goal-creating actions.

    RSL’s offense has struggled, but the recent acquisition of William Agada could change this. William Agada joined Real Salt Lake from Sporting Kansas City on deadline day last Wednesday. The 25-year-old Nigerian striker was acquired for $500,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money, with an additional $350,000 in 2026 GAM due to KC if Agada signs a contract extension. Agada led Sporting Kansas City last season with 12 goals and 4 assists, and he has a total of 22 goals and 6 assists since 2022. While it’s uncertain if Agada will start, he is expected to make his Real Salt Lake debut in this match.

    Diego Luna will also be available for Real Salt Lake. Luna received a straight red card in the 61st minute of their recent match against Toronto FC. A red card typically results in a fine and a one-game suspension. Luna’s suspension was originally set for the match against San Diego. However, the Independent Review Panel unanimously rescinded the suspension and fine after an appeal, making Luna eligible to play against SDFC. Each club is allowed two unsuccessful appeals per season, and after winning their appeal, Real Salt Lake retains two remaining unsuccessful appeals.

  • Match Preview: SDFC vs LAFC

    The aspiration I consistently heard during discussions about bringing MLS to San Diego was, “How can we make a San Diego soccer team mirror the success of LAFC?”

    Los Angeles’ second team had established a robust culture centered around its supporters’ group, made strategic investments by acquiring a Mexican National player, and are one of the most successful expansion clubs in MLS history.

    The Blueprint

    The establishment of LAFC was a process that unfolded over several years. Following the dissolution of Chivas USA in 2014, LAFC was founded to fill the void as Los Angeles’ second and newest team. In 2015, the Los Angeles Times reported that the new MLS team would take over the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena site in Exposition Park to construct a new 22,000-seat soccer-specific stadium. This new stadium opened in 2018, coinciding with LAFC’s inaugural season.

    The period between 2015 and 2018 was marked by significant developmental work. Tom Penn, a founder of LAFC, served as President and Co-Owner. Penn, with his background as a former NBA analyst, NBA executive, lawyer, and player agent, brought a wealth of sports industry experience to Los Angeles.

    In 2016, alongside the approval of their new stadium, LAFC unveiled their team crest. The crest prominently features the initials “LA” and a wing, symbolizing the “City of Angels”. The team’s branding emphasized its intention to be Los Angeles’ team, distinguishing itself from the LA Galaxy, a team playing just outside of Los Angeles.

    A year later, LAFC announced the signing of their first designated player, Mexican national team star Carlos Vela. Vela was a mainstay on the Mexican national team and, early in his career, was signed by Premier League team Arsenal. During his time with Arsenal, Vela was loaned out to various clubs before finding stability and success with Real Sociedad. Vela played for Real Sociedad for six years, scoring 54 goals. Vela’s signing with LAFC was a significant event. Bringing in a Mexican national team player as the club’s first designated player in a city like Los Angeles, with its large Mexican-American population, was a momentous move for the club.

    Another key element in the club’s success is its dedicated supporters’ groups, collectively known as the 3252s at BMO Stadium. From its inception, LAFC engaged with supporter groups in the area, inviting them into the club’s offices. The team sought the groups’ input on various aspects of the club, ranging from team colors to the design of their crest. The numbers in “3252” add up to 12, symbolizing the “12th man” – the supporters. The club’s foundation has consistently prioritized the supporter culture. The collaboration between the supporters’ groups and the front office is a significant factor in LAFC’s success off the field.

    This approach may sound familiar to SDFC fans, and for good reason. LAFC has provided a blueprint for a successful expansion club, and San Diego has aimed to follow it. Tom Penn, former LAFC president, was brought in to lead the new expansion club as CEO. SDFC developed a crest intended to represent all 18 cities within San Diego County. Additionally, the team signed a Mexican national player, Chucky Lozano, as its first designated player. From the outset, it has been clear that San Diego has been modeling its approach after LAFC’s.

    LAFC Today

    On the field, LAFC has been one of the most successful expansion franchises in MLS. Since their inaugural season, LAFC has reached the playoffs six times in seven seasons and won the MLS Cup in 2022. LAFC has also won the Supporters’ Shield twice and the US Open Cup in 2024. The 2025 season has been consistent with their prior success.

    LAFC is currently third in the Western Conference standings, with San Diego FC in fourth place. Due to the Champions Cup, LAFC has played nine matches to start the 2025 season. In those nine matches, LAFC has been shut out only once, against Austin FC. Across all competitions, LAFC has scored 12 goals and allowed 10. Also, LAFC has five clean sheets in those nine matches. The team demonstrates an ability to protect a lead. They tend to adopt a more defensive style of play when up by a goal.

    Key Players

    Aaron Long

    To bolster their defense, LAFC relies on center-back and captain, Aaron Long. The 32-year-old, named the 2018 MLS Defender of the Year while with the New York Red Bulls, is also known for his scoring ability. Long holds the record for most goals scored by a defender in Red Bulls history. This scoring ability was evident in a recent match against Sporting KC, where Long scored a goal and was named Man of the Match. On the backline, he is recognized for his accurate passing and strong, physical presence.

    David Martinez (center)

    LAFC’s success this season also owes much to 19-year-old Venezuelan player, David Martinez. Prior to signing with LAFC, Martinez was scouted by Dutch club Ajax. Martinez is highly regarded and has been called the best Venezuelan player of his generation. Martinez has played in all MLS league matches and started the recent match against Sporting Kansas City. In that game, Martinez scored an impressive goal that was just out of the reach of Sporting KC’s goalkeeper. Last Saturday, at 19 years and 43 days old, David Martinez became the youngest player in MLS history to contribute to a goal in five consecutive road matches. Whether David Martinez starts or comes off the bench against SDFC, he is likely to make an impact on the match.

    Familiar Faces

    Olivier Giroud and Hugo Lloris

    For those who have followed the Premier League in the last decade, the names Hugo Lloris and Olivier Giroud are likely familiar. Both players are 38 years old and in the twilight of their careers. Hugo Lloris, LAFC’s goalkeeper, is the former goalkeeper for Tottenham Hotspur and the French national team. Lloris made over 400 appearances across all competitions for Tottenham Hotspur and served as their captain. At one time, Lloris was considered one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League. However, injuries, inconsistency, and a new manager led to Lloris being left out of Tottenham Hotspur’s first team. In 2023, Lloris joined LAFC and has been their first-choice goalkeeper ever since.

    When Olivier Giroud left AC Milan, he still showed a strong playing ability. In his final season at Milan, Giroud played over 2000 minutes and scored 15 goals. He scored 39 goals in league play with AC Milan in Serie A. Giroud has also played for Chelsea and Arsenal in the Premier League. As a striker for the French national team, Olivier Giroud has scored 57 goals in international competitions. In May of last year, it was announced that Giroud would join LAFC, and he made his debut in August. Since arriving in Los Angeles, Giroud has had difficulty scoring goals. He has scored in the Leagues Cup and US Open Cup competitions but has yet to score in MLS league play (I really hope I don’t jinx this for Saturday). He has not replicated the goal-scoring prowess that has defined his career.

    SDFC News

    This week, head coach Mikey Varas announced that Chucky Lozano will be available on the bench for Saturday’s match against LAFC.

    Additionally, a new podcast, “The Official SDFC Podcast,” debuted on Wednesday, hosted by Sal Zizzo, Marvell Wynne, and Kaila Burns-Heffner. The podcast will cover previous and upcoming matches and feature interviews with players and coaches. I would compare it to a Padres hosted broadcast before games called “Padres Social Hour”. A similar feel but in podcast form. New episodes will be released every Wednesday.

    Also, the rebranded “Unemployed Guys” podcast is now “Section 1904,” hosted by Darren Smith and John Gennaro. Darren Smith is one of the SDFC radio voices. John Gennaro is a former writer for Bolts from the Blue and a Padres podcaster. Their new daily podcast will cover SDFC, Padres, and other topics.

  • San Diego FC’s First Loss

    San Diego FC faced Austin FC with a depleted roster due to international player call-ups and key player injuries, forcing them to rely on squad depth. Unfortunately, defensive struggles in the first half led to two early Austin FC goals, and SDFC was unable to secure an equalizer.

    A San Diegan Scored a Goal (Not for SDFC)

    Austin FC seized an early advantage. In the third minute, Ian Pilcher, filling in for Paddy McNair at center back, received a yellow card. Pilcher was beaten when a pass cut through the midfield toward Austin FC forward Brandon Vazquez. Pilcher, in his first start for the club, pulled Vazquez down, resulting in the yellow card. Pilcher, 22 years old, was selected 24th overall by San Diego FC in the MLS SuperDraft. The SDFC backline also included 18-year-old Luca Bambino at left back and 22-year-old Willy Kumado Ghanaian at right back, both making their second consecutive starts. Chris McVey, the other center back, provided the most experience to the backline with several seasons in MLS. Austin FC exploited the inexperience of the SDFC backline by focusing their attack of getting passes through the midfield and into the final third.

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    Austin FC’s Diego Rubio received the ball when SDFC lost possession in the midfield. Rubio turned to pass upfield to Brandon Vazquez, who was again matched up against Pilcher. Pilcher was again beaten, and this time Vazquez was able to receive the pass and score, putting Austin FC ahead 1-0 in the 10th minute. This was Vazquez’s first goal for Austin FC and his first against his hometown squad.

    Austin’s Second Goal

    Austin FC extended their lead due to another defensive breakdown by SDFC. Ian Pilcher fouled Austin FC’s Owen Wolff on Austin’s side of the pitch. The quick restart caught San Diego off guard, and Wolff passed to Jon Gallagher on his right. Gallagher outran SDFC’s Luca Bambino and scored, making the score 2-0 for Austin FC in the 19th minute. San Diego’s high line with an inexperienced backline contributed to SDFC’s difficult start.

    SDFC has struggled with slow starts, having allowed four first-half goals in five matches, all within the first 20 minutes. Furthermore, SDFC has not held a lead at halftime in any of their five matches. However, they have scored five second-half goals and have yet to concede a goal in the second half.

    Luca’s Turn

    San Diego FC responded to Austin FC’s second goal just minutes later. Alex Alvarado, filling in for Annibal Godoy, who was away on international duty, intercepted a pass in Austin FC’s half. Alvarado passed to Tomas Angel, who passed back to Luca de la Torre. De la Torre held the ball, waiting for passing lanes to open up. As Alvarado and Angel moved centrally, an option opened on the wing. De la Torre passed to Bambino on the left wing. Bambino passed back to Jeppe Tverskov. Tverskov delivered a pass inside the 18-yard box to Onni Valakari, who tee’d up Luca de la Torre for a shot. The ball deflected off an Austin FC defender and into the goal. The score was 2-1 in the 27th minute. It was only minutes before this goal that Luca de la Torre missed a shot setup by Anders Dreyer. It would seem that the team’s strategy in this match was to give Luca opportunities in the middle for a shot on goal.

    No Equalizer

    In the second half, trailing 2-1, San Diego FC focused on maintaining possession and creating scoring chances. In the 75th minute, Anders Dreyer had a close-range shot from inside the six-yard box blocked by goalkeeper Brad Stuver. A minute later, Dreyer missed another shot inside the 18-yard box, sending the ball over the crossbar. In the 82nd minute, Stuver made a crucial save on a Tverskov header from a corner kick. Stuver, who appeared to slip as the corner kick was coming in, was able to punch the ball at the very last second. This resulted in another corner kick by SDFC. This time Tverskov hit the top of the left post. In stoppage time, SDFC goalkeeper CJ dos Santos joined the attack for a final corner kick, but the attempt to tie the game was unsuccessful.

    Ultimately, San Diego FC suffered their first loss in franchise history. SDFC dominated possession in the match (76%) and had 11 shots inside the box in the second half. However, their first-half struggles proved decisive.

    Darren and Warren On The Call

    On the way to Snapdragon Stadium to watch another soccer match, Chivas de Guadalajara vs. Tijuana Xolos, I turned on the SDFC radio broadcast on 760 AM. Darren Smith was on play-by-play duties with Warren Barton offering analysis. Adrian Garcia Marquez who’s usually on with Darren, was on the call for the Nations League final. I listened to the final 30 minutes, which was filled with action. Darren and Warren were spectacular calling the game. Radio is theatre of the mind and Darren provided an excellent job describing what was happening on the pitch. All while Warren provided some really great commentary on the match. This duo was a great combination that I would love to listen to again. I would really recommend listening to Darren and Adrian call the match on radio at 760 AM or on the IHeartRadio app. For home matches, you can change your AppleTV broadcast to either the Apple MLS broadcast or the home’s radio broadcast.

  • Austin, Austin, Austin FC

    Last week I talked about the Columbus Crew. The story of Austin FC is intertwined with the attempted relocation of the Columbus Crew. Anthony Precourt, a minority investor in the Columbus Crew, sought to move the team to Austin, Texas, contingent on the city of Columbus approving a new downtown stadium. Ultimately, the Crew’s fans, with the support of local politicians, successfully secured a new local owner for the team, effectively pushing out Anthony Precourt. Meanwhile, Precourt and his company, Precourt Sports Ventures (later renamed Two Oak Ventures), were awarded an expansion team in Austin. Austin FC aimed to begin play in 2021, coinciding with the completion of their new stadium, Q2 Stadium.

    Matthew McConaughey’s Team

    The awarding of the expansion franchise to Austin FC attracted new investors. Among them was a group led by Eddie Margain, entrepreneur and founder of PIXIU Investments. Other notable investors included Marius Haas, chief commercial officer of Dell Technologies, Bryan Sheffield, Executive Chairman of Austin-based Parsley Energy, and Academy Award-winning actor, professor, and avid sports fan, Matthew McConaughey. McConaughey is currently listed as an owner and holds the title of Minister of Culture for Austin FC. He is actively involved with the club, appearing in promotional campaigns encouraging fans to “Bring Your Drum” and leading chants on the field. His visible presence, such as bringing Woody Harrelson to a home match, demonstrates a connection to the club and the community, going beyond a mere financial investment.

    Austin’s Rocky Start in MLS

    Austin FC began play in 2021 and experienced mixed results in its initial seasons. The team finished 12th in the Western Conference in 2021. However, they showed significant improvement in 2022, finishing 2nd in the conference and advancing to the Western Conference final, where they lost to LAFC (who would eventually win the MLS Cup). After back to back seasons of not making it to the playoffs, lead to a change in head coach. Nico Estevez, formerly of Austin’s rival FC Dallas and an assistant coach for the Columbus Crew under Gregg Berhalter, was hired as Austin FC’s third head coach.

    Austin FC’s Recent Performance

    Austin FC currently sits 7th in the Western Conference with a record of 2 wins, 0 draws, and 2 losses (2-0-2). The season began with a 1-0 home victory against Sporting KC, with Osman Bukari scoring the decisive goal in the 76th minute. This win was followed by consecutive 1-0 losses to Portland Timbers and Colorado Rapids. However, Austin FC rebounded with a 1-0 victory against LAFC in Los Angeles, with Guilherme Biro scoring the lone goal. These early matches suggest that Austin FC favors a possession-based style of play with an emphasis on attacking. The team ranks third in the league in shots outside the box per game (5.8) and ninth in total shots taken (55), indicating a willingness to take long-range chances. Defensively, Austin FC has been strong, ranking third in the league in shots allowed per game (8.5), a stat bested only by Vancouver Whitecaps and San Diego FC (7 shots allowed per game).

    Key Players: Biro and Vazquez

    Guilherme Biro, Austin FC’s Brazilian left-back, has been a standout player for the team this season. He earned Man of the Match honors in the game against LAFC. Biro is a strong defender, known for his tackling, interceptions, and ability to win aerial duels during set-pieces. His defensive contributions have been a significant factor in Austin FC only conceding two goals this season.

    Another noteworthy player is forward Brandon Vazquez. Vazquez began playing for San Diego Surf at the age of 13 before moving to Club Tijuana’s youth academy. He also played on the United States U-17 team alongside Tyler Adams, Christian Pulisic, and SDFC’s Luca de la Torre. Vazquez joined Atlanta United’s inaugural roster as a 19-year-old. After two seasons with Atlanta United and Atlanta 2, he was selected by FC Cincinnati in the expansion draft. In Cincinnati, Vazquez scored 32 goals in 112 appearances. Last season, Vazquez played for Liga MX team Monterrey, scoring 10 goals in 40 appearances. Despite rumors of a move to the San Diego FC, Vazquez ultimately joined Austin FC. He played 86 minutes against LAFC without recording a shot. With Uzuni away on international duty, Vazquez is expected to play a key role in the attack.

    Impact of International Play and Injuries

    Most leagues pause play when countries call up players for international competitions, but MLS continues its season. Austin FC has several players called up to their international teams, including Myrto Uzuni, Oleksander Svatok, Leo Vaisanen, Jimmy Farkarlun, and Ervin Torres. For San Diego FC, Paddy McNair and Anibal Godoy have received international call-ups. Additionally, Marcus Ingvartsen will be out for 10-12 weeks due to injury, and Chucky Lozano and Andres Reyes remain out. With several key players out for both teams, I wouldn’t be surprised at a 0-0 or 1-1 draw. This will be a close match with SDFC’s winning streak away from home, on the line.

  • The Crew Are Coming

    Probably the best name in MLS, the Columbus Crew, with great alliteration, plays against San Diego FC on Saturday March 15th. A founding team in the MLS, the Columbus Crew are three-time MLS Cup champions. A historic and successful franchise, the Columbus Crew are backed by their dedicated fans.

    The Crew Were Saved

    The Columbus Crew caught my attention around 2017. This was back when the Crew had SC on their logo. Around this time, one of the Crew’s investors, Anthony Precourt, wanted to move the Crew to Austin, Texas. Precourt wanted a downtown stadium in Columbus and threatened to relocate the team (in San Diego, we know all about this) if he didn’t get his way. After hearing rumblings of relocation, Crew supporters and fans gathered to strategically plan ways to keep the team in Columbus. Hashtag SaveTheCrew was created by the fans. They wanted to display the hashtag not just online, but at every home and away match fans attended, international soccer matches and just about anywhere that had a camera. It was a way to capture everyone’s attention and not just fans of the crew or MLS fans. Eventually, fans had the backing of Ohio politicians that wanted to keep the Crew in Columbus and were able to leverage Precourt and MLS by using the Art Modell Law. The law was created after the Cleveland Browns moved to Baltimore back in 1996. The law, “restricts the relocation of professional sports teams in Ohio that use tax-supported facilities, requiring owners to seek permission or provide six months notice and an opportunity for the city or local investors to purchase the team”. With the power of the law behind the fans, they sued Precourt and MLS. With the threat of litigation, all parties wanted to find a solution. The solution came in 2018 when the owners of the Cleveland Browns, the Haslam Family, along with the Edwards Family acquired the Columbus Crew and that meant that the Crew were going to stay in Columbus. Meanwhile, Anthony Precourt and his group, Precourt Sports Ventures, were awarded a new franchise in Austin, Texas (I’ll talk about Austin FC next week). In 2019, the new Columbus Crew owners announced that they would build a new stadium, which opened in 2021.

    2021 would also bring another year of controversy, as the team announced a change in name. The team would be named Columbus SC officially and would keep “The Crew” or “Columbus Crew” names informally. The announcement was met with a ton of backlash from the supporters. Again, fans got involved and started a Change.org petition. Within a week ownership had a change of heart to the name change. A decision was made to officially drop the SC in their name and go back to the original name of Columbus Crew. It is inspiring what the Crew Supporters Union, Hudson Street Hooligans and La Turbina Amarilla, the supporters groups that make up the Nordecke, along with all of the other Crew fans did to not only fight to keep their club but keep their originality. Collectively, fans have the power for change.

    The Crew Today

    In 2025, the Crew are helmed by head coach Wilfried Nancy, one of the most respected coaches in the league. Nancy is also one of only a handful of black head coaches in the sport. In his first year in Columbus, the Crew won the 2023 MLS Cup. Columbus followed up their winning ways the next year by winning the Leagues Cup in 2024. So far this season, they have defeated the Chicago Fire and the New England Revolution. The Crew had a draw against the Houston Dynamo last week and are currently third in the Eastern Conference with 7 points. Columbus played in a couple of Champions Cup matches against the LAFC. The last match, on Tuesday, saw LAFC eliminate the Crew from the competition with an aggregate score of 4-2. The Crew will either be in a 3-5-1-1 or a 3-4-3 formation. Columbus really wants their midfielders to control the ball and have possession. From their three MLS league matches, the Crew ranks first in possession with 60.8%, while SDFC ranks second with 58.5%. The Crew also ranks first in passing completions with 88.9%, while SDFC ranks fifth with 87.7%. On Saturday, it will be a battle for possession.

    Diego Rossi, Columbus Crew
    Jacen Russell-Rowe, Colombus Crew

    Key Players

    Upfront they have two players that can really change the game on Saturday. First is attacking midfielder, Diego Rossi. The Uruguayan national is in his third season playing with the Columbus Crew. Rossi scored 12 goals last season and started this season with a brace against the Chicago Fire. Along with Rossi is Jacen Russell-Rowe. The 22 year-old Canadian forward is in his fourth season with the Crew and has started 2025 with two goals in the league and another goal in the Champions Cup on Tuesday night. If San Diego FC want to have any success on Saturday night, they have to contain Rossi and Russell-Rowe and not have them get inside the box. Paddy McNair who suffered an injury against Real Salt Lake appears to be healthy to play on Saturday. San Diego FC’s backline, who has only surrender one goal this season, remains intact and ready for the Crew.

    Saturday night has the makings of what we saw in the first half of the last match against Real Salt Lake. Where both teams had equal possession. The ball will flow back and forth through the pitch. On paper and just eyeballing the standings, you may view it as two teams that are very similar. Both teams have 7 points, with one having a 4+ goal differential and the other a 3+. The battle in the midfield is going to be key for both clubs. I predict SDFC will score their first home goal, resulting in a 2-1 victory for SDFC.