Sporting Tribune
Another game, another record. This time, equaling – not setting. San Diego FC tied two records on Sunday. They equaled the single-season MLS road win streak mark (seven) and matched the league record for wins by an expansion team (17).
To come into Los Angeles and beat an LAFC team that is on a three-game winning streak, at their house, is no small feat. They couldn’t do it alone. Over 600 traveling fans made the trek up north by team-sponsored charter buses and sang loudly for the entire match. Despite overcoming odds time and again to come out on top, MLS soccer pundits remain cautiously optimistic.
Let’s dive in and take a look at why.
SDFC Crashes Son’s Homecoming
Los Angeles is home to the largest Korean American population in the United States. A census in 2019 showed a total of about 326,000, to be exact. Many of whom came out to BMO Stadium to witness the first home game for Korean superstar Heung-min Son. A Tottenham legend and the captain of the Korean Men’s National team, Son acknowledged the atmosphere in the stadium.
“I feel like today was very special, the atmosphere was amazing,” said Son. “They welcomed me and I couldn’t wait until this night, and I feel like I let the fans down.”
Son was kept at bay for the majority of the match. Defender Manu Duah put in a quality performance alongside the returning Paddy McNair. The SDFC center backs kept a close eye on Son, never letting him get comfortable and playing him tight.
Recognizing the tight coverage, Son tried a few runs to the outside, where he found no respite due to the aggressive playstyle of Luca Bombino and Chris McVey. The San Diego wingbacks stifled passes and won hard-fought challenges throughout the game.
Eventually, Son created a couple of chances on goal – one of which went off the side post when he sent a curling shot past the diving CJ Dos Santos. The SDFC goalkeeper played a crucial role in the victory, making three saves. One of those saves blocked an incredible attempt on goal by Son, when Dos Santos dove through the air like Superman and punched away a curling shot.
Luck or Destiny? SDFC Wins Games They Should Be Losing
Many would agree that with hard work and unrelenting effort, come results.
In the past nine league matches, SDFC have won the xG (Expected Goals) battle only once yet their record during that span is 5-2-2. Is it luck? Like when Son’s shot went off the post, only missing the goal by a couple of inches? Will it run out sooner or later? One might say you make your own luck.
The truth of the matter is that SDFC is doing everything right and playing to the team’s character. It’s no surprise that they win games that statistically they should be losing. It’s the young guys stepping up in Mikey Varas’s ‘next-man-up’ mentality. It’s the idea of playing without fear and being confident, knowing exactly what each player needs to be doing in any given game scenario. It’s the never-say-die attitude that keeps this team in games after they fall behind on the scoreboard.
It’s all those things coupled together and complemented by an incredible display of quality by the two DPs – Anders Dreyer and Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano.
Shot Map indicating the xG difference
San Diego Stars Shine in Hollywood
It’s no secret that San Diego relies heavily on their DPs. Anders Dreyer had a goal and an assist to add to his tally of 31 goal contributions, the most in the league. Meanwhile, Chucky showcased a bit of individual magic when he leveled the score 1-1 and shifted the momentum back in favor of San Diego.
When healthy and playing, Chucky is the perfect complement to Dreyer. The two wingers work flawlessly together, causing opposing defenses many problems. With over 20 games played together, the DP duo is showing signs of formidable chemistry that only seems to be getting better with time.
They’ll both be representing their country this week – international call-ups well deserved.
Week Off and Back to It
A win over LAFC was a perfectly timed send-off for four SDFC youngsters who are headed to represent the U.S. in training camp this week. Duran Ferree, Pedro Soma, David Vazquez, and Luca Bombino will travel to Spain to join the U-20 U.S. National Team. They’ll possibly miss the last five games of the regular season, but will for sure be back in time for the start of the playoffs.
Anders Dreyer, Anibal Godoy, Paddy McNair, and Onni Valakari will go to play World Cup qualifying matches. Hirving Lozano and Luca de la Torre will play international friendlies. All senior players are expected to be back in time for the Sept. 13th match against Minnesota.
With five games left in the regular season, San Diego FC looks to make a run for the Supporters’ Shield and claim its spot at the top of the league. An emphatic win at BMO Stadium proved that this team is not letting up.
“It was nice to go here and kill the party,” Dreyer said. “We knew it would be a tough game. But we’re not afraid of playing anywhere.”
Huge win on the road. There’s no doubt now, SDFC belongs. #sdfc @EVT_News pic.twitter.com/1AWAr7jYj8
— SDFC Nation (@SDFC_Nation) September 1, 2025
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Dmitry Anisimov is a San Diego native who played soccer up to the college level when he represented the SDSU Men’s Club Soccer team. Growing up in San Diego, Dmitry is a fan of all the home teams but he specifically couldn’t wait until San Diego got an MLS team. Once that dream became reality, Dmitry married his love for writing and the game of soccer to portray a voice of the San Diego soccer community. There is a deep-rooted love of soccer culture in San Diego and Dmitry hopes to bring it to light through his pre and post-game coverage of all things San Diego FC.
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