San Diego FC Defeat Minnesota United
San Diego Takes Over Second Place in Western Conference
San Diego FC secured a crucial victory against Minnesota United in a match that saw two contrasting playing styles face off, with the winner claiming sole possession of second place in the Western Conference.
San Diego FC, fresh off a strong May with five wins, one draw, and one loss, was looking to maintain their momentum despite a break in league play since May 31st. A friendly match on June 7th against Club America allowed most starters to rest, with playing time given to those who don't typically feature in league matches. Minnesota United entered the match with a solid record in their last seven league games, boasting four wins, two draws, and one loss.
Early Setback and a Spectacular Equalizer
The match began with an unexpected turn in the 8th minute when San Diego FC conceded an own goal, a rare occurrence for the team this season. The sequence began with Chris McVey receiving the ball from goalkeeper CJ Dos Santos and dribbling downfield before passing to Jeppe Tverskov. Tverskov then passed to Alejandro Alvarado, who, under pressure from Minnesota defender Anthony Markanich, quickly passed back to Chris McVey. As midfielder Joaquin Pereyra closed in, McVey attempted to pass back to Dos Santos, but the ball went out of the goalkeeper's reach and into the net as he sidestepped to his right and the ball went to Dos Santos left. Despite the early gaffe, San Diego FC quickly regrouped.
San Diego FC responded emphatically in the 11th minute. After Anthony Markanich fouled Chris McVey, San Diego was awarded a free kick just outside their penalty area. Ian Pilcher, near midfield, passed to Tverskov, who returned the ball to Pilcher. Pilcher then found Anders Dreyer at midfield. Noticing the Minnesota goalkeeper playing off his line, Dreyer unleashed a spectacular shot from midfield that found the back of the net, leveling the score at 1-1. This marked Dreyer's seventh goal of the season.
Minnesota United, however, would reclaim the lead before halftime. In the 38th minute, they advanced down the field, moving the ball quickly from the far side to the central area. Kelvin Yeboah made a run towards the goal, and although Chris McVey attempted to clear the ball, it was recaptured by Minnesota's Bongokuhle Hlongwane. Hlongwane passed to Pereyra, who took a shot from eight yards outside the penalty area. The initial shot was blocked by Dos Santos, but Yeboah quickly capitalized on the loose ball, kicking it into the net for his fifth goal of the season. At halftime, San Diego had 72% possession, 6 shots, 3 shots on target, and an xG of 0.55, while Minnesota had 28% possession, 7 shots, 4 shots on target, and an xG of 1.02.
Second Half and a Super Sub's Impact
The second half saw continued action. In the 60th minute, Alex Mighten appeared to have scored an equalizer, but the sideline judge ruled Onni Valakari, who provided the assist, offsides, a call that was not reviewed further. Minutes later, another call led to a review. As Alejandro Alvarado made a run towards the penalty area, he received a pass from Jeppe Tverskov. Alvarado kicked the ball just before it went out of play, hitting Minnesota defender Anthony Markanich. Initially ruled a corner kick, San Diego FC players protested for a handball, prompting the referee to review the play with VAR. The referee confirmed a handball inside the penalty area, resulting in a penalty kick for San Diego.
Anders Dreyer stepped up to take the penalty. His shot, a quick couple of steps followed by a jump, went to the goalkeeper Wessel Speel's left. Although Speel guessed correctly, the ball went just under his body and into the net, leveling the score once again. This was Dreyer's eighth goal of the season and his second brace.
Milan Iloski, who entered the game at the start of the second half for Marcus Ingvartsen, proved to be the "super sub" San Diego FC needed. With three goals already this season, Iloski had a reputation for making an impact off the bench. Minnesota United had a strong record of not losing after taking a lead, with teams at best securing a draw against them. In fact, Minnesota United hadn't lost a league match after being ahead since July 17th, 2024, when D.C. United won 3-2. This was all about to change.
In the 75th minute, San Diego, patiently moving the ball through midfield, saw Luca Bombino attempt a pass to Valakari, which was poorly touched. The ball went back to Bombino, who passed to Tverskov. Tverskov then passed to Alvarado, who found Dreyer on the far side. Dreyer settled the pass and kicked the ball with his left foot towards the goal. Milan Iloski, charging in, got his head on the ball, which bounced under the goalkeeper's arm and into the net, giving San Diego a 3-2 lead. This was Iloski's fourth goal of the season, and Dreyer's eighth assist. With 8 goals and 8 assists, Anders Dreyer now leads MLS in goal contributions with 16.
Iloski wasn't finished. In the 84th minute, Luca Bombino's shot from outside the penalty area was deflected by Michael Boxall. With the ball in the air inside the box, Iloski headed a shot towards the goal, but it was stopped by the crossbar. Undeterred, Iloski continued to press for another goal to secure the win for San Diego. As Minnesota pushed for a late equalizer, the ball was inside San Diego's penalty area. Pereyra attempted a pass to Michael Boxall, but it was blocked by the San Diego backline. Milan Iloski picked up the loose ball, skillfully evaded two defenders, and outran everyone. He then calmly beat the goalkeeper with a beautiful finish, scoring his fifth goal of the season and sealing the spectacular win for San Diego. Milan Iloski's goals per 90 minutes are an impressive 2.12, making him one of the most efficient players in MLS in terms of making the most of his minutes. The next step for Iloski is to earn a regular starting position.
San Diego FC's next match is against the Vancouver Whitecaps in Vancouver on June 25th.