San Diego FC: Midseason Review of their Inaugural MLS Campaign
Seventeen out of thirty-four games in, and San Diego FC is no longer just the new kid on the block. MLS’s newest expansion side is making serious noise, currently sitting second in the Western Conference.
To catch live updates on every SDFC game, make sure to tune into our episodes throughout the summer as we dive deep into MLS action during the We Call It Soccer Summer Series 2025, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and newly on YouTube.
From Doubt to Dominance
Looking back to preseason, most pundits — and even some fans — weren’t optimistic. Many predicted that San Diego would struggle to keep pace in MLS and finish well outside the playoff picture (with only the top 9 from each conference advancing). Preseason friendlies didn’t help, as the team looked disjointed and uncertain.
But fast forward to now, and head coach Mikey Varas has taken the Western Conference by storm, making Snapdragon Stadium one of the most intimidating venues for visiting sides.
Home Fortress, Road Work in Progress
At home, SDFC boasts a record of 6 wins, 1 loss, and 3 draws, scoring 18 goals while conceding only 7. Winning at home is a pillar of MLS success, and the San Diego boys are delivering.
On the road, however, things have been less consistent: 3 wins and 4 losses away from home. If SDFC wants to cement a top seed, they’ll need to improve on stealing points in hostile territory.
Identity Check: Style and Substance
San Diego FC’s partnership with Right to Dream is reflected in their style of play: brave, risk-taking, and calculated attacking soccer. It’s been effective so far, but with the second half of the season bringing repeat matchups, teams are starting to adjust. The coming weeks will be a true test of SDFC’s ability to adapt and evolve.
Star Power: Dreyer, Chuky & the Core
Anders Dreyer and Hirving ‘Chuky’ Lozano have been standout performers. While Chuky has battled some lower-body injuries — playing about 500 fewer minutes than Dreyer — he’s still made a big impact. Meanwhile, Dreyer leads the entire league in assists (8) and is tied for second in total goal contributions (14), just behind Lionel Messi.
Also deserving recognition:
Chris McVey, who has played every MLS minute alongside goalkeeper CJ Dos Santos, adding 2 goals from the backline.
Captain Jeppe Tverskov and McVey join Chris McNair in holding the top 3 spots in the league for most passes attempted, showing how central their possession-based style is to San Diego’s identity.
Off the Field: Growing Pains and Club Culture
It hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Early in the season, homophobic chants were heard from some home fans. Credit to the club: they acted swiftly and decisively, and those chants have not been heard since. Ownership has reiterated that San Diego is an inclusive, welcoming club, with zero tolerance for behavior that harms others.
The rivalry with LA Galaxy has already gotten heated. During their May matchup at Snapdragon, post-match fan violence broke out, resulting in 33 individuals being indefinitely banned by both clubs and the league. It’s an unfortunate moment, but also a reminder of how intense this new Southern California rivalry is becoming.
Second Half of the Season Preview
As San Diego FC players return from international duty, the focus shifts to maintaining momentum and securing a strong playoff position heading into October. With an action-packed summer and a demanding fall schedule ahead, the second half of the season could define their inaugural campaign.
June will be a pivotal month, with three road matches lined up:
June 14 at Minnesota United
June 25 at Vancouver Whitecaps
June 28 at FC Dallas
With Vancouver sitting first in the Western Conference and Minnesota in third, San Diego’s spot at second makes both matchups massive in the race for the top. These are potential six-point swing games that could shape the standings heading into the final months.
July gives SDFC a breather with four of five matches at home, where they’ve been dominant all year. It’s a prime chance to stack up points and solidify their playoff footing.
August brings a busy stretch, blending MLS matches with Leagues Cup action, as San Diego prepares for their second test against Mexican competition. With knockout implications and bragging rights on the line, it’s another chance to make a statement.
By the time October rolls around, it’s all about sealing the deal. These final weeks will be crucial for playoff qualification and seeding — and staying healthy will be just as important as staying sharp on the field.
As always, LFGSD.
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