The Galaxy were a very generous host for the inaugural Season’ s game, as they gifted San Diego FC their first goal in club history.
Both teams had serious trouble converting any of their midfield possession into penetration and chances. But San Diego didn’ t miss when had chance.
San Diego sterility in possession was at least partially a tactical choice as they kept their fullbacks deep – couldn’ t dare let Gabriel Pec get in behind – and played two 8s instead of an 8 and a 10. All of it was very risk-averse, but due to the circumstances and result, they can’ t be blamed.
Anders Dreyer, the Danish winger, scores must-see brace for San Diego FC. Two fantastic finishes.
San Diego FC( SDFC) made history winning over reigning MLS Cup champions LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park in SDFC’ s MLS debut.
SDFC shutout the LA Galaxy in Carson, ending their
undefeated streak at home and becoming the first MLS team to defeat them at Dignity Health Sports Park since Oct. 21, 2023.
Gabriel Pec
LA clearly showed they can’ t make up for the loss of Dejan Joveljić, Gastón Brugman, Mark Delgado and Jalen Neal. To add misery to their misery, Riqui Puig and Joseph Paintsil are out injured.
Galaxy struggled to find their midfield balance as head coach Greg Vanney was yelling at newcomer Lucas Sanabria about his positioning the entire first half.
Due to it they almost never got playmaker Marco Reus between the lines.
LA seemed to figure out how to crack the visitors apart once they hit the final 15 minutes Elijah Wynder, who came on for Sanabria, added both combo play and direct, off-ball running out of central midfield.
Galaxy very clearly have a problem to solve without Riqui Puig who’ s out for long injury time.
We think San Diego FC’ s progression play and defensive effort will be close to constants when their first-choice starters are on the field. Still, there are big questions about their ability to create in the final third. After all, San Diego created nothing in the first half and their two goals arrived via a brutal LA Galaxy giveaway inside the 18-yard box and a counterattack in second-half stoppage time.
Exactly how willing Mikey Varas is to slide up the risk scale in the final third against a compact block is absolutely something to watch in their first-ever home game against St. Louis CITY SC
Anders Dreyer
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