Another Red Card, Another Loss: SDFC Falls to Minnesota

What was forecasted to be a rainy afternoon turned into a beautiful night for soccer in San Diego. The sun set against a cloudy, orange backdrop as San Diego FC took the field looking to get back into the winning column after dropping points in their last four matches.

Lineups

SDFC's starting lineup looked a lot different than what fans were used to. In a show of confidence, head coach Mikey Varas gave the nod to Bryan Zamble in the left winger position. The gifted youngster scored in his debut against CF Montreal. Zamble replaced Amahl Pellegrino, who was out with an injury for the second match in a row.

Elsewhere on the pitch, Lewis Morgan started in his natural number nine position, replacing the SDFC lead goal-scorer so far this season, Marcus Ingvartsen, who was listed as a bench piece.

Osvald Soe started in place of Manu Duah, who received a red card last match. Next to him, Chris McVey made his return to the starting lineup after serving a one-match ban for a red card.

James Rodríguez was not included on the injury report for Minnesota United, yet the international star was absent from both the starting lineup and the bench - a sign that the Columbian is still not ready for match minutes after his injury.

A big change from last year for Minnesota is the departure of goalkeeper, Dayne St. Clair, who was traded to Miami. Drake Callender served as the goalkeeper this season, who's conceded 12 goals in six matches this season.

First Half

San Diego FC started fast again, something the team has shown this season in the majority of their matches. Luca Bombino struck in the sixth minute to open up the scoring.

Lewis Morgan got out wide on a quick pass from Anders Dreyer into the danger area. Morgan floated a delicate cross into the box, where Bombino struck it first-time before it could touch the ground, beating Callender with a finish that’s sure to be in the running for MLS Goal of the Week.

Only ten minutes passed before Minnesota answered right back. SDFC were caught ball watching as Thomas Chancalay received a pass on the left edge of the penalty box and provided a precise cross into an oncoming Kyle Duncan. Bombino was overpowered in the air by Duncan as the Minnesota United right winger headed it home to tie the match at 1-1.

SDFC kept pressing as the post-goal excitement was taken out from the crowd by the Loons. Varas' team did not show any refrain from passing out of the back. Even when it seemed dangerous, SDFC stuck to their style.

The Loons stayed true to their identity of being dangerous from set pieces. In the 40th minute, striker Kelvin Yeboah found the back of the net after a throw in led to a cross into the San Diego penalty box. Duncan headed it down in between SDFC goalkeeper Duran Ferree and defender Soe but Yeboah was first to it and poached a goal to make it 2-1 in favor of the visitors.

After 45 minutes, SDFC looked like the sharper side, out possessing Minnesota 67%-33%. Zamble stood out, drawing repeated “oohs” and “ahhs” from the crowd with his play. Time and again, the home team found themselves one pass away from unlocking a dangerous chance on goal, only to see several promising opportunities go to waste.

Second Half

The second half could not have started any worse for SDFC. In the 46th minute, Chris McVey followed through with his cleats and caught the Minnesota player. The challenge resulted in a second yellow card that saw McVey get sent off. Another match - another red card for SDFC.

Varas went to the bench in the 50th minute and subbed out Zamble who was replaced by Marcus Ingvartsen. The fresh legs of Ingvartsen led to multiple opportunities in front of goal but to no avail. San Diego lacked creativity in front of the net, often times holding the ball too long, resulting in predictable play.

David Vazquez came on for Lewis Morgan in the 72nd minute, bringing his flair and creativity into the mold. The Loons turned up the heat - pressing SDFC players on the ball while trying to take advantage of being one man up.

Mikey Varas has been critical of the referees as of late, multiple times saying he doesn't agree with the calls that led to red cards. Varas was very animated on the sideline during the second half, often showing his frustration with calls that were missed or did not go San Diego's way. His aggressiveness on the sideline earned him a yellow card late in the match.

Seven minutes of stoppage time was added to the match as SDFC kept fighting for a tying goal that never came. In a match where SDFC felt like the aggressor, the ball didn't fall in their favor this time. Lack of discipline and finishing opportunities continues to handicap this team from getting consistent victories. They'll look to bounce back next weekend against Real Salt Lake in Utah.