San Diego FC Make Champions Cup Statement with 4–1 Win Over Pumas
L.Bombino#27 and A.Mighten#77 Celebrating Goal. (Photo By: @Sandiegofc)
Historic Night in San Diego
San Diego FC delivered a statement performance in their first-ever CONCACAF Champions Cup match, defeating Liga MX side Pumas UNAM 4–1 at Snapdragon Stadium. The result gives the MLS newcomers a strong advantage heading into the second leg and marks one of the most impressive international debuts by an expansion club.
Pumas Strike First
The visitors opened the scoring early and stunned the home crowd. In the 11th minute, Robert Morales connected with an acrobatic bicycle kick inside the box, finishing off a quick attacking move to put Pumas ahead. The goal gave the Mexican side early control and briefly slowed San Diego’s momentum.
A.Dreyer #10 San Diego FC (Photo By: @Sandiegofc)
San Diego Takes Control
Despite conceding first, San Diego FC stayed composed and began to dominate possession. Their midfield controlled the tempo, pushing Pumas deeper into their own half. Several chances followed, and the pressure finally paid off in the second half.
M.Duah #26 with the tiebreaker. (Photo By: @Sandiegofc)
Second-Half Surge Turns the Match
San Diego’s breakthrough came in the 68th minute when Manu Duah powered home a header from a corner kick to level the score. The equalizer completely shifted the match.
Just minutes later, David Vázquez gave San Diego the lead with another header, this time from open play. Pumas struggled to regroup, and the home side continued to attack with confidence.
A.Godoy #20 San Diego FC (Photo By: @Sandiegofc)
Goals Seal a Statement Win
The momentum kept building as Alex Mighten made it 3–1 with a calm finish inside the penalty area. Late in the match, substitute Luca Bombino capped off the night with a well-taken goal, sealing a dominant four-goal performance.
What It Means Going Forward
With a three-goal advantage, San Diego FC travels to Mexico in a commanding position for the second leg. Pumas now face an uphill battle, needing a major comeback to stay alive in the competition.
For San Diego, the result sends a clear message across CONCACAF: the club is ready to compete at the highest level.