Anders Dreyer Etches His Name in San Diego FC History with First MLS Goal

On February 23, 2025, Anders Dreyer became the answer to a future trivia question: Who scored San Diego FC’s first-ever goal in Major League Soccer? The Danish midfielder delivered not one, but two goals in the expansion team’s stunning 2-0 victory over the LA Galaxy, marking a dream debut for both the player and the club in their historic MLS opener at Dignity Health Sports Park.

Dreyer’s landmark moment came in the 52nd minute of a tightly contested match against the reigning MLS Cup champions. Capitalizing on a defensive miscue from the Galaxy, the 26-year-old received a perfectly weighted pass from star winger Hirving “Chucky” Lozano. With composure beyond his years, Dreyer rifled a shot past goalkeeper Novak Mićović, igniting celebrations among the traveling San Diego supporters and cementing his place as the franchise’s inaugural goal-scorer. The strike broke open a scoreless game and set the tone for an upset that few saw coming.

Not content with a single piece of history, Dreyer doubled his tally in the 72nd minute. This time, he showcased his instincts on a swift counterattack, finishing a flowing team move with a clinical strike that left the Galaxy defense reeling. His brace secured the win and underscored San Diego FC’s potential as a formidable newcomer in MLS’s 30th season. With those two goals, Dreyer became the first player to score in an expansion team’s debut since St. Louis CITY SC’s João Klauss in 2023—and the first to notch a multi-goal game in such a match since LAFC’s Carlos Vela in 2018.

Signed from Danish club FC Midtjylland in the offseason for a reported $6 million, Dreyer arrived with a reputation as a dynamic attacking midfielder. His 2024 season in Denmark—where he scored eight goals and provided six assists—hinted at his ability to influence games, but his immediate impact in MLS has exceeded expectations. Standing at 5’8” with a low center of gravity, Dreyer combines technical finesse with relentless energy, traits that shone brightly against a Galaxy side featuring stars like Marco Reus and Christian Ramirez.

Head coach Mikey Varas praised Dreyer’s adaptability and hunger after the match. “Anders has that spark,” Varas said. “He’s a competitor who thrives in big moments, and today he showed why we brought him here.” Teammate Luca de la Torre echoed the sentiment, noting Dreyer’s seamless integration into a squad blending international talent with MLS newcomers. “He’s got a nose for goal, and he works his tail off. That’s what we need.”

For Dreyer, the moment was personal as well as professional. Postgame, he dedicated the performance to his family back in Denmark, admitting the magnitude of the occasion hadn’t fully sunk in. “Scoring the first goal for San Diego in MLS—it’s a dream,” he said through a grin. “But winning against a team like Galaxy? That’s what makes it special.”

Dreyer’s heroics weren’t just a personal triumph; they signaled San Diego FC’s intent to compete from day one. Backed by a stout defense and Lozano’s playmaking, his goals handed the Galaxy their first home loss since 2023, ending a 15-game winning streak at Dignity Health Sports Park. Fans watching on MLS Season Pass and Apple TV+ witnessed the birth of a new MLS star—and perhaps a new contender.

As San Diego FC prepares for their home opener against St. Louis CITY SC on March 1 at Snapdragon Stadium, Dreyer’s debut has set a high bar. If his performance against the Galaxy is any indication, the Danish dynamo is ready to leave an indelible mark on MLS—and carry San Diego’s ambitions along with him.