Nov, 26 2025
San Diego FC didn’t just make history—they rewrote it. On Monday, November 24, 2025, the expansion club stunned Minnesota United FC 1-0 at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California, to claim a spot in the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs Western Conference FinalSnapdragon Stadium. The win, sealed by a thunderous 72nd-minute strike from Anders Dreyer, made San Diego FC only the second expansion team in Major League Soccer history to reach a conference final in their inaugural season. And they did it in front of a roaring, sold-out crowd of 32,502 fans—each one feeling like they were part of something rare.
A Goal for the Ages
It wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t a long build-up. But it was perfect. Corey Baird flicked a back-heel pass from the right flank, and Anders Dreyer charged into the box like a man possessed. Left foot. Pure power. Ball into the top corner. The stadium exploded. No celebration was over-the-top—just a quiet nod to the bench, then a sprint toward the corner flag. That’s the kind of goal that defines a season. And for a team that entered MLS as the league’s 30th franchise just eight months earlier, it was the kind of moment that turned doubters into believers.
Behind Dreyer’s heroics, Pablo Sisniega delivered a masterclass in goalkeeping. In the final 15 minutes, Minnesota United threw everything at San Diego FC. Three clear chances. Two header attempts off corners. A penalty shout that was waved off by referee Mark Geiger. Sisniega denied them all—each save more instinctive than the last. One stop in the 87th minute, diving full-stretch to his left, looked like it came from a video game. Fans in the upper deck stood silent, then erupted. The keeper didn’t celebrate. He just pointed to his teammates. That’s leadership.
More Than Just a Win
San Diego FC didn’t just win—they dominated. Possession? 66% to 34%. Shots on target? 8 to 2. Corner kicks? 9 to 1. This wasn’t a lucky upset. It was a statement. The club finished the 2025 MLS regular season with a record-setting 19 wins and 63 points, the most ever by an expansion team in league history. They didn’t just survive their first year. They led the Western Conference from start to finish.
And the numbers keep piling up. This was San Diego FC’s fourth straight playoff sellout. The Western Conference Final against Vancouver Whitecaps FC sold out in under 24 hours after pre-sale tickets dropped on November 25. The club expects another 32,500+ fans at Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday, November 29. The first 25,000 will get a free Jameson rally towel—the same sponsor that’s backing the entire Western Conference Final. It’s not just soccer. It’s a movement.
Who’s Standing in Their Way?
On the other side of the field? Vancouver Whitecaps FC. They earned their spot the hard way—beating LAFC in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in extra time. It was their first-ever Western Conference Final appearance. And they’re no strangers to San Diego. The two teams met three times this season: a wild 5-3 win for San Diego in Vancouver on June 25, a 1-1 draw at Snapdragon Stadium on July 19, and now this showdown.
San Diego’s attack, led by Milan Iloski and Tomás Ángel, has been lethal. Iloski scored four goals in that June opener. Ángel’s strike that night was the dagger. Vancouver’s defense, led by Edier Ocampo and Mathias Laborda, will need to be sharper than ever. But here’s the twist: San Diego’s defense has improved dramatically since July. They’ve conceded just one goal in their last four playoff matches.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just about one team’s Cinderella run. It’s about what expansion means in modern MLS. For years, new teams struggled to compete. San Diego FC didn’t just compete—they thrived. They hired the right coach. They drafted wisely. They built a fanbase from scratch. And now, they’re one win away from the MLS Cup final.
Only one other expansion team has ever reached a conference final in Year One: Los Angeles FC in 2018. They lost in the final. San Diego FC has a chance to go further. And they’re doing it in a city that didn’t have an MLS team until January 2025. That’s not luck. That’s vision.
What’s Next?
The Western Conference Final kicks off Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 6:12 p.m. PT at Snapdragon Stadium. It’s being streamed exclusively on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV. If San Diego wins, they’ll host the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Final on December 7 or 8—likely against the winner of the Eastern Conference Final between Columbus Crew and New York City FC.
For now, the city is buzzing. Bars are serving Jameson cocktails with custom San Diego FC coasters. Kids are wearing Dreyer jerseys to school. And the team’s social media? Over 2 million impressions since Monday. This isn’t just soccer. It’s community.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did San Diego FC build such a strong team in just one year?
San Diego FC invested heavily in smart recruitment, signing Designated Players like Anders Dreyer and Tomás Ángel on affordable deals, while drafting well in the MLS SuperDraft. Head coach Steve Cherundolo, a former LA Galaxy captain, brought defensive discipline and a clear attacking philosophy. The club also prioritized community engagement, selling over 15,000 season tickets before their first match—creating instant fan loyalty.
Why is reaching the Western Conference Final such a big deal for an expansion team?
In MLS history, only two expansion teams have ever reached a conference final in their debut season: LAFC in 2018 and now San Diego FC in 2025. Most new teams struggle to make the playoffs, let alone win a knockout match. San Diego’s achievement signals a shift in how expansion clubs are built—focusing on culture, coaching, and fan experience over just star signings.
What’s the significance of Snapdragon Stadium’s sellout streak?
San Diego FC has sold out all four of its playoff matches, including the Western Conference Final, which sold out in under 24 hours. That’s unprecedented for a first-year team. It shows deep community investment—fans aren’t just buying tickets; they’re investing in the club’s future. The 32,502 attendance against Minnesota was the largest in franchise history, and it’s expected to grow for the final.
How does San Diego FC’s 63-point season compare to other MLS teams?
San Diego FC’s 63 points in 2025 were the highest total ever by an expansion team, surpassing LAFC’s 62 points in 2018. Only three teams in MLS history have posted more: Seattle Sounders (68 in 2022), New York City FC (65 in 2021), and Atlanta United (65 in 2018). For a team that didn’t exist until January, this is historic.
Who are the key players to watch in the Western Conference Final?
For San Diego FC, keep an eye on Anders Dreyer (7 goals, 5 assists in playoffs), Pablo Sisniega (5 clean sheets in last 6 games), and midfielder Jeppe Tverskov, who controls tempo. For Vancouver, striker Brian White (11 goals this season) and veteran defender Doneil Henry will be critical. The midfield battle between Tverskov and Vancouver’s Cristian Dajome could decide the match.
Can San Diego FC win the MLS Cup?
They’re certainly capable. With home-field advantage, a red-hot defense, and a coach who’s mastered playoff soccer, they’re one of the most balanced teams left. But the MLS Cup Final is a different beast—usually hosted by the higher-seeded team. If San Diego wins Saturday, they’ll host the final on December 7 or 8, giving them a massive edge. The city’s energy could carry them further than anyone expected.