San Diego FC Stuns LA Galaxy in Historic MLS Debut

Dreyer in the 18 box attacking LA Galaxy

San Diego FC made a thunderous statement in their inaugural Major League Soccer (MLS) match, defeating the defending champions LA Galaxy 2-0 at Dignity Health Sports Park on Sunday, February 23, 2025. The expansion side, entering the league as its 30th team in its 30th season, showcased poise, precision, and power to kick off their campaign with a memorable upset against one of MLS’s most storied franchises.

Pec at the 18 box ready to fire a shot against San Diego FC

The match, part of MLS’s opening weekend, pitted the newcomers against a Galaxy squad fresh off their sixth MLS Cup triumph in 2024. Despite the Galaxy’s unbeaten home record across all competitions in the previous season, San Diego FC turned the tables with a commanding performance. Midfielder Anders Dreyer emerged as the hero, scoring both goals in what became a historic brace for the franchise.

Dreyer makes his mark with the first goal for San Diego FC in MLS history!

Dreyer opened the scoring in the 52nd minute, capitalizing on a sloppy pass from the Galaxy defense. Mexican star Hirving “Chucky” Lozano delivered a pinpoint assist, allowing the Danish midfielder to power the ball past goalkeeper Novak Mićović. The second goal came in the 72nd minute, with Dreyer again finding the net, this time off a well-orchestrated move that exposed LA’s vulnerability on the counter. His clinical finishing silenced the sellout crowd of 25,244 and etched his name into San Diego FC lore as the author of the club’s first-ever MLS goals.

CJ Dos Santos, San Diego's goalie giving instructions to his defenders during the second half of LA Galaxy vs San Diego FC

San Diego’s defense, led by former Premier League veteran Paddy McNair and anchored by goalkeeper CJ Dos Santos, stood tall against a Galaxy attack missing key stars Riqui Puig and Joseph Paintsil due to injury. Dos Santos, making his MLS debut after limited action with Inter Miami, recorded a clean sheet with three saves, thwarting LA’s attempts to mount a comeback. The Galaxy managed only three shots on target from seven attempts, a stark contrast to their 69-goal haul in the 2024 regular season.

San Diego FC players defending with all they got against LA Galaxy

For LA, the loss marked their first defeat at home since October 21, 2023, snapping a 15-game winning streak at Dignity Health Sports Park. Head coach Greg Vanney lamented the lack of dynamism in attack, while newcomer Christian Ramirez, who started up top, struggled to connect with a midfield featuring Marco Reus and Diego Fagúndez. Despite 48.7% possession and four chances created by Miki Yamane, the Galaxy couldn’t break through San Diego’s organized backline.

Under head coach Mikey Varas, San Diego FC displayed impressive chemistry for a team in its first competitive outing. Alongside Lozano and Dreyer, U.S. international Luca de la Torre dictated play in midfield, while the team’s 51.3% possession and six shots on goal underscored their balanced approach. The victory made San Diego the second expansion team since 2019 to win their MLS debut, following St. Louis CITY SC’s feat in 2023.

This California clash, broadcast live on MLS Season Pass and Apple TV+, added a new chapter to the state’s soccer rivalries. San Diego FC’s next test comes quickly, as they prepare to host St. Louis CITY SC in their home opener at Snapdragon Stadium on March 1. For the Galaxy, the defeat serves as an early wake-up call as they look to rebound against Vancouver Whitecaps FC on March 2. One thing is clear: San Diego FC has arrived, and they’re ready to make waves in MLS.