On Saturday, March 15, 2025, Onni Valakari made history by scoring San Diego FC's first-ever goal at Snapdragon Stadium during their match against Columbus Crew. Valakari’s towering header in the 69th minute helped secure a 1-1 draw for San Diego FC, marking the culmination of significant excitement among the fans and players alike.
After Columbus Crew had taken the lead early on, with Maximilian Arfsten scoring the first goal of the match just 15 minutes in, San Diego FC rallied to equalize. Valakari’s goal came off a corner kick from Luca de la Torre, bringing the crowd to life and symbolizing the club's milestone achievement at their new home ground. “First goal here, so it’s something special,” Valakari said. “I hope it opens up the lock for us so we can score even more goals.”
Despite the milestone achievement, the game was fraught with tension as the Crew was reduced to ten men following Malte Amundsen's red card issued in the 61st minute. This significant moment turned the tide, giving San Diego FC numerical superiority for the last 30 minutes of the match, but they could not capitalize enough to clinch their first home victory.
Coached by Mikey Varas, San Diego FC, who is now 2 wins, 0 losses, and 2 draws for the season, showcased their potential against Columbus, another team with the same record. Varas reflected on the match, noting, “There’s going to be a lot of firsts this season… but I have no emotion to it, because I’m disappointed at the tie.” His sentiments echoed the mixed feelings shared by fans: excitement for the goal and disappointment for not securing the full three points.
Throughout the game, San Diego outperformed Columbus and controlled 50.4% of the possession, outshooting them 17 to 7, and boasting more shots on goal (7) compared to Columbus' 3. The home team’s expected goals total was 2.6, far greater than the actual result delivered.
The night was emotionally charged, especially witnessing the jubilant celebration after Valakari’s equalizer. Flames erupted skyward from stanchions behind the goals, accompanied by blue smoke bombs set off by excited supporters positioned throughout the stadium.
San Diego had previously tied 0-0 against St. Louis City SC on March 1, 2025, meaning their supporters had been waiting159 minutes of gameplay for the first goal at Snapdragon and finally got to celebrate with Valakari's historic moment.
Adding to the unraveling storyline of the match, there were several notable firsts. The game witnessed San Diego’s first red card, shown to the Crew, and also the first video review to overturn what would have been another San Diego goal. Following the match, both teams learned and strategized for future matches as they sat tied for second place behind Vancouver Whitecaps FC with St. Louis and Colorado Rapids.
The San Diego FC experience on Saturday evening became not just about the match, but also about community and commitment to improvement as they prepare for the challenges of the MLS season. Players, including several members of the San Diego Padres who were present, showcased their support, as the team continues to assert themselves within Major League Soccer.
“These guys are disappointed in the locker room, and I hope it goes a long way for everybody in San Diego,” Varas expressed. His focus will now shift to the next match, with the hope of translating the improvements made on the pitch and sealing their first home victory soon.