Saturday night at Toyota Stadium in Frisco set the stage for a compelling Western Conference showdown as FC Dallas hosted the league-leading San Diego FC in a match that carried significant playoff implications. With the home side sitting 10th in the West and San Diego perched atop the table, the clash promised high stakes and intense action under the 96-degree sun at kickoff.
FC Dallas, grappling with a slew of injuries and suspensions, entered the contest with a patchwork lineup. Key defenders Geovane Jesus, Enzo Newman, and Osaze Urhoghide were sidelined for the season due to injuries, while midfielders Ramiro and Paxton Pomykal were also unavailable. Suspensions further thinned the squad, with Kaick and Sebastien Ibeagha serving bans following a double red card incident against San Jose. Coach Eric Quill faced a challenging selection puzzle but remained optimistic about his squad's depth. "We got plenty of depth. It is another opportunity for somebody. That’s what this is all about. If you haven’t had your opportunity lately and you want it, maybe it’s there for the taking now. And now, what do you do with it?" Quill remarked, highlighting the chance for emerging players to step up.
To fill the gaps, Nolan Norris was entrusted with the defensive midfield role, supporting Sebastian Lletget and Patrickson Delgado in a midfield trio that had shown promise in recent matches. Up front, Bernard Kamungo replaced the injured Anderson Julio, joining Petar Musa and playmaker Lucho Acosta to spearhead Dallas' attack. Defensively, Lalas Abubakar returned from suspension to partner Alvaro Augusto in central defense, flanked by Marco Farfan and Shaq Moore on the wings, with Maarten Paes guarding the goal. The bench featured a youthful contingent including Leo Chu, Tsiki Ntsabeleng, Pedrinho, and short-term loan signings Sam Sarver and Josh Torquato from North Texas SC.
San Diego FC arrived in excellent form, having won six of their last eight matches and recently dethroning the Vancouver Whitecaps 5-3 to claim first place in the Western Conference. The club boasted several standout performers such as Anders Dreyer, Hirving "Chucky" Lozano, and captain Jeppe Tverskov, all named to the 2025 MLS All-Star team. Despite missing some key players due to international duty, including Aníbal Godoy and Luca De La Torre, San Diego's squad remained formidable. Lozano, recently recovered from a hamstring injury, was on the bench to begin the match, ready to make an impact if called upon.
The match began with high intensity, and San Diego drew first blood in the 26th minute when Anders Dreyer converted a penalty kick, giving the visitors an early 1-0 lead. FC Dallas responded with determination, and just before halftime, Petar Musa found the net in the 44th minute, scoring his seventh goal of the season to level the score at 1-1. The first half ended with both teams locked in a competitive stalemate.
The second half saw FC Dallas take the lead for the first time in the 56th minute, as Sebastian Lletget scored his first goal of the season, demonstrating the midfield trio's effectiveness. However, San Diego's resilience shone through. In the 77th minute, Hirving Lozano entered the fray and quickly made his presence felt, assisting Milan Iloski for a goal that tied the game once again at 2-2. The match's climax came deep into stoppage time when Tomas Angel, subbing for Manu Duah, scored in the 97th minute, sealing a dramatic 3-2 victory for San Diego FC.
Throughout the match, FC Dallas struggled to contain San Diego's potent offense, which ranked second in MLS for goals scored (38) and maintained one of the best possession rates league-wide at 59.8%. Dallas, meanwhile, ranked 18th in goals scored (24) and had defensive vulnerabilities, conceding 32 goals, the 24th worst in the league. The visitors' ability to capitalize on these weaknesses proved decisive.
Disciplinary actions also played a role, with FC Dallas players Moore, Farrington, Ntsabeleng, and Acosta receiving yellow cards, while San Diego's Onni Valakari was also booked. The officiating team, led by referee Guido Gonzales Jr., maintained control over a heated contest marked by physicality and urgency.
Statistically, FC Dallas ranked second in MLS for clearances with 177, a testament to their defensive efforts despite the scoreline. Sebastien Ibeagha’s suspension was felt, as he was tied for eighth in the league for aerial challenges won, and Shaq Moore was tied for 12th in clearances. San Diego's top contributors included Anders Dreyer with eight goals and ten assists, Hirving Lozano with five goals and five assists, and Milan Iloski, who recently made MLS history by scoring four goals in a single game against Vancouver.
Looking ahead, San Diego FC aims to maintain their lead in the Western Conference, closely pursued by the Vancouver Whitecaps, who hold a game in hand. FC Dallas, meanwhile, seeks to rebound from this loss and improve their home record as the playoff race intensifies. The teams' contrasting fortunes highlight the challenges and opportunities in MLS this season.
Broadcasted live on Apple TV+ and the MLS Season Pass, the match drew attention from fans eager to witness the unfolding drama of the Western Conference. With both sides displaying moments of brilliance and resilience, this encounter encapsulated the competitive spirit of Major League Soccer.
As the season progresses, FC Dallas will look to harness their depth and overcome injury setbacks, while San Diego FC looks to capitalize on their momentum and star-studded lineup to chase MLS glory in their debut season.
