LA Galaxy face San Diego for the first time ever in the regular season at the Dignity Health Sports Park.
A new chapter in Major League Soccer begins as San Diego FC make their regular-season debut with a challenging visit to Dignity Health Sports Park on Sunday, where they will face the reigning MLS Cup champions, LA Galaxy. The expansion side will be eager to make a strong first impression, but they will have to overcome one of the league’s most decorated clubs in their own backyard.
After a decade-long wait, the Galaxy finally reclaimed MLS supremacy in 2024, lifting their sixth league title by edging past the New York Red Bulls 2-1 in the final. Head coach Greg Vanney secured his second MLS Cup as a manager — his first since guiding Toronto FC to glory in 2017 — and now aims to make history by leading LA to back-to-back championships, something no team has achieved since the Galaxy themselves defended their title in 2012.
The reigning champions are dominant at home, having gone unbeaten at Dignity Health Sports Park throughout the 2024 season, including four emphatic playoff victories with a combined goal difference of 14-3. Their 69-goal haul in the regular season was the highest in the Western Conference and matched their franchise-best total from 2014.
However, LA Galaxy have struggled in season openers in recent years, with their last opening-day victory coming in 2022, when they narrowly defeated New York City FC 1-0. That record adds a layer of unpredictability ahead of this historic fixture.
Sunday marks the first-ever competitive match for San Diego FC, and they will be hoping to emulate St. Louis City SC, who stunned the league in 2023 by becoming the first expansion team to finish atop the Western Conference table with 56 points in their debut season.
San Diego have already shown glimpses of attacking firepower, delivering an emphatic 6-0 pre-season victory over the New York Red Bulls. However, their defensive frailties remain a concern, as they conceded six goals in three pre-season matches, which could be exploited by LA Galaxy’s lethal frontline.
Their head coach, Mikey Varas, has built a strong reputation for developing young talent, having previously guided the United States Under-20 team to a CONCACAF Championship title in 2022. His ability to mold a fresh squad into a competitive unit will be tested immediately against the defending champions.
While expansion teams often face growing pains, MLS history suggests that newcomers adapt quickly, with the last five new clubs reaching the playoffs within their first two seasons. San Diego will be keen to follow that trend, starting with a bold statement against the league’s most successful franchise. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
LA Galaxy
LA Galaxy will be without one of their most influential players, Riqui Puig, after the Spanish midfielder suffered a torn ACL in last year’s Western Conference final. His absence is a significant blow, as he was instrumental in their title-winning campaign. The club expects him to be sidelined for at least the early portion of the 2025 season.
Another concern is Joseph Paintsil, who remains a doubt for Sunday’s clash due to a hamstring strain. His fitness will be assessed closer to kickoff, but his potential absence could limit Galaxy’s attacking options.
During the off-season, Galaxy made notable reinforcements, bringing in Christian Ramirez, Matheus Nascimento (on loan from Botafogo), Lucas Sanabria, and Mathias Jorgensen. However, they also saw several key departures, with Dejan Joveljic, Jalen Neal, Mark Delgado, and Gaston Brugman all leaving for other MLS clubs.
Head coach Greg Vanney is expected to deploy LA Galaxy in a 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasising a structured midfield and a potent attacking setup.
John McCarthy will take his place between the posts as the starting goalkeeper. In defence, Miki Yamane will operate as the right-back, while Carlos Garces and skipper Maya Yoshida form the central defensive pairing. On the left flank, John Nelson will provide width and defensive coverage.
The midfield pivot will feature Edwin Cerrillo and Lucas Sanabria, both of whom will be responsible for controlling the tempo and providing a solid defensive shield. Their ability to break up opposition attacks and distribute the ball efficiently will be crucial.
In the attacking third, Gabriel Pec will start on the right wing, with Marco Reus playing in a central attacking midfield role, orchestrating Galaxy’s forward movements. Diego Fagundez will operate on the left flank, offering creativity and goal-scoring potential.
Up front, Christian Ramirez will lead the line as the lone striker. His hold-up play and finishing ability will be essential, especially in the absence of Riqui Puig’s creativity from midfield.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): McCarthy; Yamane, Garces, Yoshida, Nelson; Cerrillo, Sanabria; Pec, Reus, Fagundez; Ramirez
San Diego FC
San Diego FC have assembled a promising squad ahead of their MLS debut, making several key signings to ensure they can compete from the start. One of their biggest moves was acquiring Hirving Lozano, the Mexican international whose experience at the highest level in European football adds significant firepower to their attack. They also secured Luca de la Torre on loan, further strengthening their midfield.
Defensively, they have brought in Andres Reyes and Anders Dreyer, while Paddy McNair is expected to be a key figure at the back. The Northern Ireland international has nearly 300 appearances at club level in England and will be crucial in providing leadership to a relatively new squad. Additionally, San Diego signed Jeppe Tverskov and Marcus Ingvartsen from the Danish Superliga, both of whom will play important roles in stabilizing the team.
San Diego FC are likely to set up in a 4-3-3 formation, prioritising balance across midfield and attack while maintaining defensive solidity.
CJ Dos Santos is expected to start in goal, providing shot-stopping reliability in San Diego’s first-ever league match. The back four will feature Willy Kumado at right-back, with Paddy McNair and Andres Reyes forming a solid central defensive pairing. On the left, Franco Negri will be responsible for defensive duties while also pushing forward to support the attack.
In midfield, Luca de la Torre will take on a deep-lying playmaker role, dictating play and linking defence with attack. He will be supported by skipper Jeppe Tverskov, whose experience will help provide stability, while Onni Valakari adds creativity and attacking intent from midfield.
The front three will see Anders Dreyer operating from the right wing, with Hirving Lozano taking charge of the left side. Their pace and dribbling ability will be key in breaking down the LA Galaxy defence. Leading the attack will be Marcus Ingvartsen, who will look to provide a clinical edge inside the penalty area, capitalising on the service from the wingers and midfield.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Dos Santos; Kumado, McNair, Reyes, Negri; De la Torres, Tverskov, Valakari; Dreyer, Lozano, Ingvartsen
Ways to Watch
Key Stats
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The reigning MLS Cup champions went unbeaten at Dignity Health Sports Park in 2024, including four playoff home wins with a combined scoreline of 14-3. Their strong home form will be a major advantage in this season opener.
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In 2024, the Galaxy led the Western Conference with 69 goals, matching their franchise-best total from 2014. This attacking potency makes them one of the most dangerous offensive sides in MLS.
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LA Galaxy have not won a regular-season opener since 2022, when they defeated New York City FC 1-0. This inconsistency in early-season matches could be an area of concern.
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The MLS newcomers thrashed New York Red Bulls 6-0 in their final pre-season match, showcasing their attacking potential. However, they also conceded six goals across three pre-season matches, indicating defensive vulnerabilities.
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Historically, the last five MLS expansion teams have reached the playoffs within their first two seasons. San Diego will be looking to follow in the footsteps of St. Louis City SC, who became the first expansion team to finish atop the Western Conference in their debut season in 2023.
Player to Watch
Hirving Lozano
San Diego FC’s MLS debut is set to be a historic occasion, and their biggest marquee signing, Hirving Lozano, will be the player everyone watches closely. The Mexican international arrives in San Diego with a wealth of top-level experience, having played in Europe’s biggest leagues for PSV Eindhoven, Napoli, and most recently, Feyenoord. His ability to perform on the grandest stages, including World Cups and the UEFA Champions League, makes him the ideal leader for this new expansion side.
Lozano, known for his explosive pace, dribbling ability, and goal-scoring instinct, will be crucial in breaking down LA Galaxy’s defence. With San Diego FC expected to adopt a counter-attacking approach, his ability to drive at defenders and create chances from wide areas will be a key factor in their attacking play.
Moreover, his experience in high-pressure matches will be vital in guiding his teammates through this inaugural game. San Diego FC will rely on Lozano to set the tone offensively, either by finding the net himself or linking up with Marcus Ingvartsen and Anders Dreyer to unlock the Galaxy backline.
If San Diego are to announce their arrival in MLS with a statement result, expect Hirving Lozano to be at the heart of it, showcasing the quality that has made him one of Mexico’s most electrifying attackers.
Prediction
LA Galaxy 3-1 San Diego FC
The champions should open their title defence with a comfortable win, but expect some exciting moments from the newcomers. San Diego will undoubtedly bring energy and enthusiasm into their first-ever MLS match.
However, facing the defending champions on their home turf is a massive challenge. LA Galaxy’s firepower, home dominance, and experience should give them the edge, although the visitors may cause some problems with their attacking talent. The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-1 win for the home side.
