A Dramatic Late Winner Sends San Diego FC Soaring Past LA Galaxy

By Rene Vidal

In a match that began with a flurry of fouls, a burst of goals before halftime, and a rising tide of attacking drama, San Diego FC stole all three points at the death thanks to a towering header from their talisman, Hirving "Chucky" Lozano. The Mexican international was involved in nearly everything on the left flank, and in the seventh and final minute of stoppage time, he crowned his performance with a powerful, match-winning goal, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and delivering a 2-1 victory against rivals LA Galaxy.

First Half – From Tactical Jabs to Sudden Fireworks

The opening 30 minutes of the match offered few clear-cut chances but plenty of friction. The midfield battle was gritty, with both teams struggling to retain possession for sustained periods. Aníbal Godoy and Luca Bombino for San Diego were particularly active in the duels, while LA Galaxy’s Gabriel Pec and Marco Reus sought to stitch together moments of creativity from wide and central zones.

A string of early efforts—misses from Paintsil (10’) and Maya Yoshida (6’, 3’)—foreshadowed Galaxy’s intent, but they lacked sharpness in front of goal.

Then came the explosion.

In the 40th minute, Galaxy struck first. Marco Reus drifted inside from the right, split the defense with a precise through-ball, and Diego Fagúndez met it perfectly, drilling a right-footed shot into the right side of the net. The xG of just 9% belied the composure of the finish. San Diego FC 0–1 LA Galaxy.

Just one minute later, San Diego replied. From a fluid build-up that started with Willy Kumado’s overlapping run, a low cross deflected into the path of Jeppe Tverskov. His quick flick released Luca de la Torre, who calmly slotted a shot into the bottom center. A 19% xG goal that spoke volumes about his timing and vision. San Diego FC 1–1 LA Galaxy.

The first half ended level, but tension was high. Five yellow cards had been shown by the break—including one to Hirving Lozano—and both teams were already bloodied in the trenches.

Second Half – Pressure, Persistence, and Pounding the Goal

The second half kicked off with San Diego on the front foot. The team carved wave after wave of attacks, with Lozano and Dreyer as the primary engines.

65th minute: Anders Dreyer broke into the box and unleashed a left-footed strike with an xG of 56%, only to see it blocked heroically by Emiro Garces. Lozano tried again from outside the box seconds later, but Sanabria threw himself in the way to deny.

70th minute: Lozano had another curling effort blocked by Miki Yamane, as Galaxy began to sink deeper into their half.

Despite the pressure, Galaxy still posed threats. Joseph Paintsil missed two chances—one in the 58th minute and another earlier in the half—while Marco Reus had twin efforts go just over the bar in the 89th minute, with xG values of 23% and 16%, the latter a particularly agonizing miss.

But it was the home side who had the scent of victory.

Stoppage Time – San Diego’s Siege and Lozano’s Glory

In the closing moments, the crowd urged San Diego forward. A 90’ attempt by Lozano from the left side was blocked by Edwin Cerrillo. Then came a corner at 90’+1, swung in again by Lozano.

90’+2: Luca de la Torre met the ball with a powerful header, but it went over with a 16% xG—so close, yet not enough.

90’+5: Redemption.

A corner earned through constant pressure was played short to Anders Dreyer. The Danish winger whipped a tantalizing cross into the heart of the box. Rising above everyone was Hirving Lozano, timing his jump to perfection and smashing a header to the middle right of the goal. Galaxy keeper Emiro Garces stood no chance. xG: 38%. Outcome: Ecstasy.San Diego FC 2–1 LA Galaxy.

Final Whistle – Elation and Agony

The referee blew the final whistle just minutes later, moments after Milan Iloski was booked for a late foul. For LA Galaxy, it was heartbreak. They had defended deep and countered with pace but lacked composure in front of goal. Reus, Paintsil, and Fagúndez had moments, but not the killer edge.

San Diego FC, meanwhile, showed remarkable resilience. Down a goal, they bounced back quickly, then pounded the Galaxy box with relentless determination. Lozano, undoubtedly man of the match, was inspirational, while Dreyer, de la Torre, and Godoy were all influential.

Match Stats Summary

• Goals:

  • San Diego FC: Luca de la Torre (41’), Hirving Lozano (90’+5)

  • LA Galaxy: Diego Fagúndez (40’)

• xG (expected goals):

  • San Diego FC: ~2.0

  • LA Galaxy: ~1.3

• Shots on Target:

  • San Diego FC: 6

  • LA Galaxy: 3

• Possession:

  • San Diego FC: 54%

  • LA Galaxy: 46%

• Yellow Cards:

  • San Diego FC: 1 (Lozano)

  • LA Galaxy: 4 (Pec, Cerrillo, Yamane, Reus)

• Man of the Match:Hirving Lozano – 1 goal, 1 assist, 4 key chances created, endless threat.