match recap
SDFC 3-2 LAFC
By Juan Hernandez Mar 30, 2025
LAFC PREGAME. PHOTOGRAPHY: @SDFC
LAFC vs. Austin FC: A Detailed Match Recap
Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025
Venue: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego
San Diego FC vs LAFC: A Thrilling Southern California Derby
On March 29, 2025, San Diego FC triumphed 3-2 over Los Angeles FC (LAFC) in a thrilling Southern California derby at Snapdragon Stadium. The match was particularly significant as it marked San Diego’s first home win in franchise history and featured the return of Mexican international Hirving "Chucky" Lozano from injury.
First Half: San Diego FC's Early Dominance
San Diego FC came out strong in the first half, scoring three goals in the first 40 minutes to put LAFC in a difficult position.
21st Minute: McVey Opens the Scoring
San Diego struck early when Christopher McVey scored a powerful header from a free kick. The ball was delivered into the box, and McVey outmuscled the LAFC defenders to head it past goalkeeper John McCarthy. San Diego led 1-0, gaining early control of the match.
34th Minute: Valakari Doubles the Lead
San Diego extended their lead in the 34th minute. Onni Valakari capitalized on a rebound inside the box after a shot was initially blocked by LAFC’s defense. Valakari calmly slotted the ball home, making it 2-0 and further asserting San Diego’s dominance.
40th Minute: Mighten Makes It 3-0
Just minutes before halftime, Alex Mighten made it 3-0. A beautiful cross from Valakari found Mighten in space, and the forward finished with precision, sending the ball past McCarthy into the net. At this point, San Diego appeared to be cruising toward a comfortable win.
Late First Half Response: LAFC Fights Back
Despite being down 3-0, LAFC showed resilience and managed to score two quick goals before the halftime whistle.
43rd Minute: Smolyakov Pulls One Back
In the 43rd minute, Artem Smolyakov scored a stunning long-range goal. He unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box that flew into the top corner of the net, giving LAFC their first goal of the match and reducing the deficit to 3-1.
45+5th Minute: Ünder Cuts the Lead to One
Just before the halftime whistle, LAFC reduced the gap to 3-2. Cengiz Ünder capitalized on a precise pass from Marco Delgado inside the six-yard box, and the forward finished expertly, pulling LAFC within a goal. The late response gave LAFC a much-needed boost heading into the second half.
Second Half: Tactical Changes and Lozano’s Return
The second half saw a tactical shift from both teams, including a key substitution for San Diego and a red card for LAFC.
53rd Minute: LAFC Reduced to Ten Men
In the 53rd minute, LAFC's Igor Jesus was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Alex Mighten, resulting in a red card. LAFC was now down to 10 men for the remainder of the match, making their comeback attempt even more difficult.
72nd Minute: Hirving Lozano Makes His Return
In the 72nd minute, San Diego brought on Hirving "Chucky" Lozano, who had been recovering from an injury. Lozano’s arrival added a fresh dynamic to San Diego's attack. Although Lozano created a few dangerous moments, including a shot that was saved by LAFC’s goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, he was unable to score. Nevertheless, his return was a positive sign for San Diego’s future games.
Final Moments and Standings Impact
Despite being a man down, LAFC continued to push forward in search of an equalizer, but they couldn’t break through San Diego’s defense. The match ended 3-2 in favor of San Diego FC, marking a significant win for the club.
Standings
With the victory, San Diego FC moved into second place in the Western Conference with 11 points. LAFC, on the other hand, remained in seventh place with 9 points. Both teams will look to build on this match as the season progresses.
Conclusion: A Historic Win for San Diego FC
This victory was a historic moment for San Diego FC, who celebrated their first home win in franchise history. Despite a late surge from LAFC, San Diego held firm and earned all three points. With their solid attack and resilient defense, San Diego FC looks set to continue building on this strong start to the season, while LAFC will need to regroup and recover quickly after the tough loss.