This week in MLS features key rivalry matches, including LA Galaxy vs. LAFC and Portland vs. Seattle. San Diego FC, in its inaugural season, secured a notable 2-0 victory against the Colorado Rapids, avenging a previous loss. Center back Christopher McVey opened the scoring, and Anders Dreyer extended the lead, showcasing strong team performance. Goalkeeper CJ Dos Santos made crucial saves, maintaining a clean sheet. This win elevates SDFC to second in the Western Conference, just behind Vancouver. Next, San Diego FC faces Sporting Kansas City on Saturday night at Snapdragon Stadium.
This week, the MLS is showcasing several exciting rivalry matchups.
Among them are the LA Galaxy facing off against LAFC to establish supremacy in Los Angeles, a clash for Northwest dominance between Portland and Seattle, and a New York showdown with New York City FC taking on the New York Red Bulls.
San Diego FC, still approaching the midpoint of its inaugural season, hasn’t had enough time to face every opponent, much less form a rivalry.
Currently, the Colorado Rapids stand out as a viable rival, particularly after SDFC avenged last month’s loss in Colorado with a 2-0 victory on Wednesday night at Snapdragon Stadium, which held about half its capacity at kickoff for the team’s first midweek match.
Christopher McVey’s goal in the 33rd minute gave SDFC (7-4-2) a 1-0 lead at halftime.
“The boys put on a massive performance,” remarked SDFC coach Mikey Varas. “I hope everyone feels as inspired by them as I do.”
Varas noted how easy it can be to become conservative when leading by a goal, resorting to long kicks and defensive play.
“These guys did quite the opposite,” he said. “They pressed forward, played with bravery on the ball, and tried to draw the opponent out.”
“For me, it was a complete performance. … It’s an example of what we can achieve, and we must enjoy it.”
Anders Dreyer’s team-leading sixth goal of the season extended SDFC’s lead to 2-0 early in the second half, marked by an impressive play where he retrieved his own rebound off the left post and fired it into the net in the 58th minute.
“It’s gratifying to contribute as an offensive player with goals and assists,” Dreyer stated. “But what matters most to me is being part of a successful team. We’re on a good path right now, bouncing back after three tough games.”
“Whether it’s me or another player scoring, I’m happy either way.”
SDFC goalkeeper CJ Dos Santos played a pivotal role in keeping Colorado (4-5-4) from narrowing the gap.
Dos Santos showcased his skills by leaping to deflect an arching shot from near midfield over the goal shortly after McVey’s score. In the second half, he made a spectacular save in the 73rd minute, diving left to stop Djordje Mihailovic’s penalty kick, which sent the Snapdragon crowd into a frenzy.
“CJ was our fireman once again today,” said Varas. “He’s exhibiting a remarkable level of play. In life, when a call doesn’t favor you, you can either feel sorry for yourself or step up and make a difference. That’s what he did by keeping a clean sheet for us.”
The Rapids’ 3-2 victory over SDFC on April 12 had initiated a three-game slump for San Diego, detracting somewhat from their promising start this season.
Colorado goalkeeper Zack Steffen nearly added to the chaos at Snapdragon Stadium when he collided with SDFC star Hirving “Chucky” Lozano just ten minutes into the match.
Steffen ventured to the edge of the 18-yard box and collided with Lozano. No foul was called, and Lozano remained on the ground as play continued until the ball went out of bounds, allowing SDFC trainers to tend to the team’s Mexican star.
Lozano, who had missed a month this season due to a leg injury, eventually got back on his feet. He walked off the field near the Rapids’ goal on the south side before seemingly heading to the locker rooms, only to turn right and stroll along the sideline back to midfield.
SDFC played with ten men while Lozano recovered, re-entering the game in the 15th minute.
The match’s intensity was illustrated late in the first half when Colorado’s Andreas Maxso and SDFC’s Anibal Godoy had to be separated while vying for position prior to a Rapids corner kick.
In their first encounter, Colorado outshot SDFC 11-1 in the first half. This time, the narrative was reversed; SDFC unleashed seven shots before Colorado managed one, ending the half with a 15-3 margin in shots. SDFC, currently second in the MLS for possession percentage (55.8), dominated ball control, maintaining it 61.6 percent of the time in the first half.
The second half mirrored the first, with SDFC keeping Steffen busy, requiring him to stop 27 attempts throughout the match (Colorado tallied only nine shots).
The three points gained for this victory propelled San Diego FC into second place in the Western Conference, leading Minnesota (6-3-4) and Portland (6-3-4) by one point. Vancouver (8-1-3, 27 points) sits atop the standings.
Upcoming Match: San Diego FC will return to Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday night at 7:30 to face Sporting Kansas City (3-9-2), which fought back from a two-goal deficit to earn a 2-2 draw against St. Louis on Wednesday.
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