Anders Dreyer guides San Diego to a 2-0 victory against reigning champion LA Galaxy in their inaugural MLS match.

CARSON, Calif. — In a remarkable inaugural match for Major League Soccer, San Diego FC triumphed over the LA Galaxy, the defending champions, with a score of 2-0 on Sunday.

Forward Anders Dreyer emerged as the star of the match, netting both of San Diego’s goals. His first came in the 52nd minute, capitalizing on a defensive error. Galaxy defender Emiro Garces stumbled after receiving a pass from goalkeeper Novak Micovic within the penalty area. The ball then fell to Lozano, who set up Dreyer for a well-placed left-footed shot that found the back of the net, leaving Micovic powerless.

Dreyer confirmed the victory with a second goal in injury time, scoring during a breakaway in the 92nd minute.

CJ dos Santos, San Diego’s goalkeeper, played a key role by making three crucial saves, resulting in a clean sheet for his team.

San Diego FC is now the tenth franchise to join the MLS since 2017, marking a significant milestone as only the third team to win its opening match, following in the footsteps of Los Angeles FC in 2018 and St. Louis City earlier this year.

The Galaxy’s best scoring opportunity came from Miguel Berry, who had a close-range attempt in the 79th minute, but dos Santos was there to deny him.

This defeat marked a rare loss for LA Galaxy at their home ground, Dignity Health Park, with their last home loss dating back to the end of the 2023 season. The six-time MLS champions were without key players Joseph Paintsil due to a quadriceps injury and Riqui Puig, who is sidelined with a knee issue and is anticipated to return by early summer.

Goalkeeper Micovic recorded four saves for the Galaxy during the match.

As San Diego prepares for its first home game scheduled for Saturday against St. Louis, MLS commissioner Don Garber expressed his satisfaction at the enthusiastic turnout of fans who traveled to support the team. The San Diego supporters filled four sections in the upper deck, showcasing the excitement around the new club.

“Establishing San Diego in our league has been a long-term vision,” Garber mentioned before the game. “Our league has to remind itself we are new, and it’s more important to ensure everything aligns well than to rush through the process. When we do launch new teams, we want to make sure everything is firing on all cylinders.”