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The national anthem just finished, a military aircraft flew overhead the 27,000+ screaming fans honoring our military veterans for Military Night. The fireworks followed, exploding in the night sky and setting the tone for a game that we all longed for - a dominant performance played in a style that San Diego started the season with. Everything was clicking. The passes were sharp, the team possessed the ball 60%, and most importantly - San Diego scored on the chances they created, which was something they struggled with for a long time. Fans were treated to five goals on the night and the team proved how dangerous they can be. As always, let's get into it!
The Lineup That Worked
It's been said many times before, the lineup that Mikey Varas chooses to start is anything but predictable. Another week, another surprise - this time it worked great. Luca Bombino and Willy retained their spots in the starting lineup, earning back-to-back starts in the frequently rotated wing-back positions. Franco Negri was not available off the bench for this game. Bombino played in an intense fashion, hustling up and down the field showing off his fitness, making tough tackles and winning 50/50 balls. This was his best game yet and he is surely making a case for himself to be in contention for the regular starting role.
San Diego's newest signing, Oscar Verhoeven got very important game minutes as a sub in the 67th minute in the right-back position. The U.S. youth international looked comfortable as he showcased an understanding of the team's transition style of play by moving up and down the flank, holding his position and remaining tight in formation. It will be interesting to watch him continue to develop into what the team sees as a very promising young talent.
A highly anticipated first start for striker, Alex Mighten, gave the team the much-needed speed and creativity in the front. Mighten, who started instead of Valakari, finally got the chance to prove that he belongs in the starting eleven and he left zero doubts with an incredible performance.
Mighten gained possession of the ball in the attacking third of the field in the 20th minute of the match and as he so often does, used his speed to dribble and take on two defenders. His ability to dribble directly at defenders with pace gives the opposition a hard time trying to slow him down without committing a foul. Mighten was brought down in the penalty box and Chucky took the honors to put away the penalty kick to bring San Diego up 1-0.
In the post-game press conference, when asked about the idea behind Alex Mighten getting the starting role, Mikey Varas alluded to the fact that he earned that opportunity by being a constant game-changer off the bench. Mighten played tough, driving directly at defenders and fighting to win the ball back, he left it all out on the field. Unfortunately, after being involved in a number of tackles, he was seen grabbing at his shoulder and wincing. He was subbed off in the 38th minute for Valakari.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
If you've ever wondered what Mikey Varas meant when he spoke about how he envisions the team playing out of the back while referencing the 'build-up style' of play that leads to open space in the attack - look no further because now there is visual proof. Let's break it down.
In the 27th minute, like so many times before, San Diego predictably played out of the back. The first key to being successful in playing this way is ensuring that a quick pass finds an outlet (Dreyer, in this case). Connecting one-touch passes in a one-two style transition, SDFC carved through Dallas's high press and sent a pass into the feet of Anders Dreyer.
Notice how the Dane collects the ball and quickly changes his dribbling direction from moving up the sideline to driving into the middle, which draws the three defenders around him to try and close him down.
Chucky is isolated one-on-one with a defender and quickly makes a run inside, identifying the open space that Dallas was forced to give up in a counterattack as a result of the unsuccessful high press. Dreyer places an excellent through ball into the wide-open middle of the field trusting that Chucky's sheer skill will take care of the rest.
Chucky finishes in a theatrical fashion to make it two-nil and the crowd get treated to a Mikey Varas masterclass. In the post-match press conference, Varas emphasized the importance of staying true to the team's identity, regardless of recent results. That consistency showed on the pitch, as San Diego delivered a sharp performance marked by crisp passing and fluid transitions. The squad stayed compact, disciplined, and executed their roles with precision—a clear reflection of a productive week on the training ground.
Keeping an Edge
San Diego remains first in the league in possession percentage, which speaks volumes considering they just lost three games in a row. Even in losing contests, the team stayed true to their style - holding and possessing the ball as much as possible. San Diego racked up an expected goals (xG) total of just 2.0 against Dallas yet found the back of the net five times—a clinical display of finishing beyond the numbers. While the chances created didn’t all register as high-quality opportunities, SDFC made the most of their looks, converting half-chances into goals and punishing Dallas with ruthless efficiency.
Dynamic Duo Selected for TOTW
Chucky Lozano and Andres Dreyer earned a spot on the MLS week 11 Team of the Week. Dreyer finally found the back of the net after a dry spell. He also bagged an assist when he unselfishly set up Valakari, who got into open space inside of the box after the defenders were forced to cover Dreyer due to his skillful turn into the danger area.
Lozano netted a total of two goals and collected an assist when he distributed a perfectly weighed pass to Dreyer, who finished from the right side of the penalty box.
Tidbits
- Milan Ilosky netted his first goal for his hometown club. The Escondido native made the most of his sub opportunity when he slotted a well-placed shot from the right side of the box past the FC Dallas keeper to make it 5-0. Ilosky was seen kissing the SDFC badge before slapping hands and celebrating with the Frontera behind the goal. It was surely a proud moment he will never forget.
- This was SDFC's biggest win yet in a sense of scored goals. They have never scored more than three goals in a single match.
- San Diego currently sit in fourth place in the Western Conference, only two points away from second place.
- The next game is away against a St. Louis City team, who are winless in their last seven consecutive matches.
- I encourage all parents to bring their kids to the games. My daughter and I had a great time at the game, sitting three rows up behind the goal. We made it on TV! I am seen holding her, celebrating after the second goal. Check us out!
