MLS
FRISCO, TX — A frustrating night for FC Dallas turned into heartbreak at Toyota Stadium as San Diego FC, the MLS Western Conference leaders, clawed back from a second-half deficit to snatch a dramatic 3-2 victory in stoppage time. The win not only underlined San Diego’s resilience but also stretched their lead at the summit of the West to four points over Vancouver — with their closest rivals still to play.
For Dallas, the loss highlights the thin margin for error that has haunted them all season. They remain 11th in the conference, five points adrift of the playoff line, and with only one win in their last nine league matches, the path forward is growing increasingly narrow.
The evening began ominously for the home side. In the 25th minute, Onni Valakari earned a penalty for San Diego after being tripped inside the box — a careless foul that exemplified Dallas’ defensive vulnerabilities. Danish midfielder Anders Dreyer made no mistake from the spot, calmly converting to hand the visitors a deserved lead.
FC Dallas did show flashes of fight. Lucho Acosta thought he had leveled the match ten minutes later, but VAR intervened, ruling him marginally offside. The breakthrough finally arrived for the hosts just before halftime when striker Petar Musa pounced on a dreadful back pass by San Diego’s rookie Manu Duah, slotting home to restore parity.
The goal energized Dallas, who looked sharper after the break. Their pressing game paid dividends in the 56th minute as Sebastian Lletget reacted quickest to Musa’s rebounded effort, putting Dallas 2-1 ahead. But from there, the momentum shifted back to the visitors.
In a testament to their depth, San Diego turned to star signing Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano, who returned after nearly a month sidelined by injury. Just six minutes after stepping onto the pitch, Lozano showcased his quality, deftly finishing from close range after a clever setup by Milan Iloski — who continues to be one of San Diego’s standout performers this season.
As the clock ticked deep into nine minutes of added time, San Diego refused to settle for a point. Their perseverance was rewarded when Tomás Ángel, brought on as a substitute, found himself unmarked in the box. He needed no invitation, rifling home a right-footed strike into the top corner — the kind of composed finish that is fast becoming a trademark for the young Colombian. Dreyer, who already had a goal and an assist, provided the crucial final pass, capping a masterful individual performance.
“Scoring the winner is special, but this is a team victory,” Ángel said afterward. “Three wins on the road is not something you see often in this league — it sends a message.”
This victory completed a perfect three-match road swing for the expansion club, collecting all nine available points — an impressive feat in MLS, where road wins are often elusive due to the travel and varying conditions. Managerial decisions and squad depth have been key. Even with nine first-team players absent, including international call-ups like Aníbal Godoy (Panama) and Luca De La Torre (USA), San Diego found answers.
Their youth movement is particularly noteworthy: rookie forward Manu Duah, despite his costly back pass, gained valuable experience in his first MLS start, while 18-year-old Luca Bombino continues to cement his place in the back line. These minutes now could pay dividends come playoff time.
Anders Dreyer, who finished with a goal and two assists, has quietly emerged as one of the league’s most reliable playmakers. His leadership and calmness in decisive moments are vital for a side with so many new faces.
For FC Dallas, this match was another chapter in a season defined by missed opportunities and inconsistent finishing. They managed just two more shot attempts after taking the lead, a statistic that underscores their tendency to sit back rather than press for the decisive third goal.
Manager Nico Estévez must find a way to inspire more ruthlessness in front of goal — and more composure at the back — if Dallas is to salvage their postseason hopes. With Minnesota visiting on July 4, the margin for error is slim.
San Diego’s expansion story is shaping up to be one of the league’s standout narratives. With a passionate fanbase ready to welcome them home as Western Conference leaders next week, the club’s identity as a well-drilled, fearless side is becoming clearer with each comeback win.
Their ability to blend experienced European talent like Dreyer and Lozano with promising young contributors shows a balanced recruitment strategy that other expansion teams could look to emulate.
If they continue this form, San Diego FC will be more than just a feel-good story — they’ll be genuine contenders when the playoffs arrive.
Next Up: FC Dallas hosts Minnesota United on Independence Day, hoping to reverse their fortunes. San Diego returns to a jubilant Snapdragon Stadium to face Houston Dynamo, aiming to extend their unbeaten run and tighten their grip on the top spot.
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