Carson, California is set to witness history as LA Galaxy takes on the newly established San Diego FC for the 2025 season opener on February 23, 2025. This marks San Diego's debut match as the 30th team to join Major League Soccer (MLS) during its 30th season, bringing with it significant anticipation of rivalry and passion.
San Diego FC, under the guidance of head coach Mikey Varas, aims to make waves right from the start with its aggressive playing style and skilled players. Among its most notable signings are former Mexico international Hirving 'Chucky' Lozano and US Men's National Team midfielder Luca de la Torre, both of whom are expected to play pivotal roles. Lozano, who made headlines for his contributions on international stages, and de la Torre, who has moved on loan from Celta Vigo, signal San Diego's ambition to compete fiercely against established teams like LA Galaxy.
Anders Dreyer, the 26-year-old winger, is also expected to be dynamic for San Diego after showcasing impressive performances during the Belgian league. Alongside him, the defense will be bolstered by former New York Red Bulls standout Andrés Reyes. They aim to set the tone for what could be the foundation of this new franchise as they face the seasoned Galaxy.
Conversely, the LA Galaxy, the reigning MLS Cup champions, find themselves challenged by injuries to key players such as Riqui Puig and Joseph Paintsil. Head coach Greg Vanney will need to adapt without these star attackers, yet he still boasts depth with the recent additions of striker Christian Ramirez from Columbus Crew SC and the exciting Matheus Nascimento, who joins on loan from Botafogo. The Galaxy finished the previous season with the highest goals scored but will need to find the same scoring touch with several notable absences.
The match hasn't just caught the interest of fans but has sparked conversations about the strategies both teams will employ. LA Galaxy is anticipated to play with their typical formation, maintaining stability at the back with players like Maya Yoshida, who played integral roles during their successful playoff run last season. Veterans such as Diego Fagúndez and Marco Reus will surely bring experience and creativity to the field, ensuring the Galaxy remains competitive even with missing pieces.
Beginning at 7 PM ET, fans can watch the action live via Apple TV, as the match won’t be broadcast on traditional television channels. This option should not deter supporters, as new subscribers to MLS Season Pass will benefit from promotional offers. The excitement is palpable among fans eager to see how this season's strategies play out on the pitch.
With expectations mounting, many have dubbed the day of the match as potentially historic—not just for San Diego FC, who seeks to cement their status quickly but also for the Galaxy, whose quest to repeat last year’s success is underway. Will San Diego FC surprise the league as they step onto the field for the first time? Or will LA Galaxy showcase their resilience against the tide of injuries?
It’s all set up for what could be an unforgettable rivalry match to kick off the new MLS season, and fans should be ready for the excitement. This inaugural match not only reflects the growth of soccer in the United States but also encapsulates the dreams of new franchises eager to be part of the MLS narrative.