San Diego FC Stuns Defending Champs LA Galaxy in MLS Debut with 2-0 Away Win
San Diego FC made a roaring start to its inaugural season in Major League Soccer (MLS) with a 2-0 away win over the defending champions, the Los Angeles Galaxy, in the franchise's first-ever game. The victory was all the more impressive considering that the Galaxy had not lost a game at their home stadium, Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, for the entire 2024 season.
The Danish midfielder Anders Dreyer was the star of the show, scoring both goals in the franchise's history-making win. The first goal came in the 52nd minute, with Dreyer powering the ball past Galaxy keeper Novak Mićović off a pass from Hirving "Chucky" Lozano. San Diego took advantage of L.A.'s mistakes for the historic moment, with the opportunity coming off a bad pass out of the back.
Despite several great chances over the next 20 minutes, Mićović made several key saves to keep things at 1-0. However, San Diego's momentum began to turn, and the Galaxy seemed to wake up in the final 15 minutes of play. San Diego was able to hold off L.A.'s offense with some excellent saves from keeper CJ dos Santos.
In stoppage time, a perfect drive down the field gave San Diego a chance to extend the lead. Forward Tomás Ángel patiently threaded the ball back to Dreyer, who sealed the game with another beautiful strike.
Even without star L.A. midfielder Riqui Puig, who is still recovering from a torn ACL sustained during last year's playoffs, and key winger Joseph Paintsil, the surging Galaxy were supposed to be one of the top teams heading into the MLS season. But a well-organized San Diego team made Los Angeles look shaky on their home turf.
As an expansion franchise, expectations for San Diego's first season were relatively low. But this San Diego squad had a great showing Sunday, demonstrating balance, control, and an impressive level of chemistry in its first-ever match. The team's next game will be its first-ever home game next week against St. Louis SC, who began play as an expansion team in 2023.
