San Diego FC made history on February 23, 2025, as they kicked off their inaugural season in Major League Soccer (MLS) with an impressive 2-0 victory against the LA Galaxy, the reigning champions of the league. The match, held at Dignity Health Sports Park, showcased not just the talent of the new expansion team but also set the stage for what fans can expect from this exciting franchise.
Midfielder Anders Dreyer emerged as the star of the night, netting both goals to secure the win for San Diego FC. The first goal came in the 52nd minute, when Dreyer unleashed a powerful shot past LA Galaxy goalkeeper Novak Mićović, after receiving a brilliant assist from Hirving "Chucky" Lozano. This break-through moment utilized the Galaxy's defensive slip, handing San Diego FC the early advantage they needed.
Despite trailing, the LA Galaxy fought hard to equalize, pressuring San Diego's defense relentlessly. Yet, thanks to the outstanding performance of goalkeeper CJ dos Santos, the visitors held firm against their seasoned opponents. Santos delivered several key saves, keeping the Galaxy at bay even as they regrouped and applied pressure during the final quarter of the match.
Just when it seemed the Galaxy might level the score, San Diego FC struck again. During stoppage time, forward Tomás Ángel orchestrated a brilliant counterattack, setting up Dreyer for his second goal—an exquisite finish which confirmed the result and etched Dreyer's name permanently in the franchise's inaugural match history.
This victory serves as more than just another win; it symbolizes the dawn of San Diego FC's new chapter. Given the circumstances, the match was particularly noteworthy as the LA Galaxy had not lost at home throughout the previous season. Even without key players like Riqui Puig, recovering from injury, expectations for the expansion team were low. Yet, San Diego FC defied the odds with their disciplined execution and teamwork.
Expressing excitement over the team's performance, San Diego FC CEO Tom Penn remarked, "We are thrilled to welcome iHeartMedia and Grupo PSN as our official radio broadcast partners. These partnerships will enable us to connect with fans in both English and Spanish, ensuring greater accessibility to our passionate supporters." This reflects San Diego FC’s commitment to inclusivity as they engage with their diverse fan base.
To amplify their reach, San Diego FC announced multi-year radio partnerships with iHeartMedia and Grupo PSN. iHeartMedia San Diego Sports 760 AM (KGB-AM) will provide English-language coverage, led by veteran commentator Adrian Garcia Marquez, whose impressive career includes broadcasting major sports events like the Super Bowl and World Series. Spanish-language coverage will be handled by Grupo PSN’s TUDN 1700 (XEPE-AM), with Ricardo "Pony" Jiménez at the helm, bringing his vast experience from covering five FIFA World Cups among other significant tournaments.
This dual-language broadcasting strategy ensures fans from varying backgrounds have access to match coverage, expert analysis, and exclusive content surrounding San Diego FC. It’s clear the club is prioritizing the connection with fans both on and off the field, as they fabulously kick off their inaugural season.
Looking forward, many are excited to see how this franchise will build on their initial success against the Galaxy as they prepare for their upcoming match against St. Louis SC. This will be their first-ever home match and another opportunity for San Diego FC to solidify its presence within MLS and connect with their supporters locally.
Overall, San Diego FC has entered the league with gusto, winning its first match and engaging fans through strategic media partnerships. The start of their campaign suggests potential for the future as they look to carve out their identity among established teams and make their mark within Major League Soccer.