Soccer <\/p>\n
San Diego FC<\/a> have only just embarked on their expansion year, and they\u2019re already making enemies close to home.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Five weeks after opening their debut season with a 2-0 win<\/a> at the LA Galaxy<\/a>, they stunned another in-state rival, downing LAFC<\/a>, 3-2<\/a>, on Saturday night to claim their first win at Snapdragon Stadium and the unofficial crown as kings of Southern California.<\/p>\n Postgame, head coach Mikey Varas wasn’t shy about how crucial wins like this are for the fans and growth of the team.<\/p>\n “Yes, so rewarding,” said Varas. “I mean, this is what dreams are made of. We all do this for these moments. We want to play in pressure, and we had, I think, two good home games that we weren’t able to deliver three points. And this means everything to us.<\/p>\n “It’s the first win in club history at home; that can’t be taken for granted. Fifty years from now, the club is going to be a giant. I know it. This club is going to be a giant, and not just in MLS.”<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n The first-half fireworks were the story of the game.<\/p>\n Playing in front of an electric, sold-out, 32,502-strong crowd, SDFC jumped out to a three-goal lead, with Christopher McVey<\/a>, Onni Valakari<\/a> and Alex Mighten<\/a> finding the back of the net. They seemed to be cruising when Mighten tallied his first MLS goal in the 40th minute, but a pair of rapid-fire tallies from Artem Smolyakov<\/a> and Cengiz \u00dcnder<\/a> reduced LAFC’s halftime deficit to one.<\/p>\n Then, any momentum for the visitors was quickly undone when Igor Jesus<\/a> was sent off eight minutes into the second half. The red card returned control to San Diego, although the 10 men of LAFC continued to threaten CJ dos Santos<\/a>\u2019 goal until the final whistle.<\/p>\n Even as Denis Bouanga<\/a> and Nathan Ordaz<\/a> heaped pressure on, the home crowd helped get San Diego over the line for a historic victory.<\/p>\n “Overall, the most important thing is a regional rivalry game against a very, very talented team, and we brought our fans a win,” remarked Varas. “And I think that’s the most important message here, that these guys fought and left everything on the field for the people.”<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n it’s heartbreakingly beautiful. ???????? pic.twitter.com\/ExmmoA7zja<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) March 30, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n In last week\u2019s 2-1 loss<\/a> at Austin FC<\/a>, San Diego\u2019s offense left chances on the field. The performance prompted Varas to swap Tom\u00e1s \u00c1ngel<\/a> for Mighten, a move that paid off against LAFC.<\/p>\n “I’ve had to stay patient whilst I’ve come here, but surrounded by a great group of players, a great coach,” said Mighten. “I’m just happy that I was able to get my opportunity today and take it. But most importantly, the team got the win.\u201d<\/p>\n In addition to Mighten\u2019s magical moment in his first MLS start, Valakari added a goal and an assist. The on-loan Finnish midfielder was deployed in an unnatural center-forward role, filling the position with Marcus Ingvartsen<\/a> out injured.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \u2014 San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) March 30, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n San Diego\u2019s offensive explosion came without their biggest star, Chucky Lozano<\/a>. But after nearly a month out injured, the Mexican winger returned to the field and was warmly received as a 72nd-minute substitute.<\/p>\n “I think I felt great,” said Lozano, speaking in Spanish postgame. “I felt great physically on the field, and it was great for me.<\/p>\n “Watching the game from the outside, I think my team did amazing as well. The first half was great, and it’s a result of all the hard work we’re doing.”<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n While he didn’t mark his return with a goal contribution, Lozano looked dangerous and forced a solid save from Hugo Lloris<\/a> in the 75th minute.<\/p>\n Still seeking his first MLS goal, Lozano takes solace in San Diego continuing to defy expectations.<\/p>\n “It’s been a very pleasant start for everyone, including the club, the players, and the fans,” Lozano said.<\/p>\n “I’ve always said there are things that need to be improved, and we have to work on them, and the truth is, this start to the season has been very important.”<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nHistoric home win<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
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Front three clicking<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Chucky returns<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n