Vancouver ends SDFC's historic MLS season
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SDFC star Anders Dreyer lays on the ground after Saturday's loss. Photo: Meg McLaughlin/The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images
San Diego FC's playoff run and historic inaugural season in the MLS came to an end on Saturday night.
State of play: The Vancouver Whitecaps beat SDFC 3-1 in the Western Conference final at a sold-out Snapdragon Stadium.
- Vancouver scored all three goals in the first half, an early setback San Diego couldn't overcome despite an energizing goal by Chucky Lozano in the 60th minute.
- The loss means SDFC won't play in the 2025 MLS Cup, but the team made a strong first impression in the league by setting expansion-club records for wins and points and earning the No. 1 playoff seed with MLS All-Stars on its roster.
What they're saying: "I know that this hurts, but nobody can take away this season that these guys did," SDFC coach Mikey Varas said in a post-game press conference. "Nobody can ever take that away from them. And I think they made a city, made the whole region dream."
- "We were one step away from MLS Cup, and 12 months ago we were all introducing ourselves," he said.
What's next: Vancouver faces Inter Miami and Lionel Messi on Saturday in the championship game.
- SDFC kicks off next season on Feb. 22 at Snapdragon.
