San Diego FC secured a landmark victory against Mazatlán FC in the 2025 Leagues Cup, ending Mazatlán’s tournament run and earning their first-ever win in this competition. This match, played at Snapdragon Stadium, was pivotal for both teams, highlighting San Diego’s growth and Mazatlán’s challenges in this year’s cup.
San Diego’s Breakthrough Victory and Key Performances
In what was a historic night for San Diego FC, the team delivered a commanding 2-0 victory over Mexican side Mazatlán FC, marking their first win in the Leagues Cup after previous attempts fell short in 2024 and earlier in 2025. The win not only ended Mazatlán’s progression but also showcased San Diego’s evolving competitive stature in the tournament.
The star of the match was unquestionably Onni Valakari, who scored both goals. This brace represented Valakari’s first multi-goal game since March 2023, when he played for Pafos FC in Cyprus. His goals at the 66th and 75th minutes, assisted by Anders Dreyer and David Vazquez respectively, underlined San Diego’s offensive effectiveness and tactical execution.
Defensively, San Diego maintained a clean sheet, a significant achievement against a Liga MX opponent, and exemplified by the solid return of defender Christopher McVey to the starting lineup. The disciplined performance helped San Diego to neutralize Mazatlán’s attackers, particularly under pressure as Mazatlán received a red card for Nicolás Benedetti, further tipping the balance. The atmosphere at Snapdragon Stadium was electric as San Diego sealed the victory with composure in the final moments.
Mazatlán FC’s Early Exit and Tournament Struggles
Mazatlán FC, regarded as a reasonably strong competitor after their quarterfinal reach in the 2024 Leagues Cup, experienced a disappointing end to their 2025 campaign. Despite a competitive start, the team struggled to break down San Diego’s defense and suffered key disciplinary setbacks with multiple yellow cards and Benedetti’s red card. These factors hampered their ability to mount sustained pressure to recover.
The elimination significantly impacts Mazatlán’s prospects in the tournament, marking their first loss of the Leagues Cup 2025. The defeat spotlights the challenges Liga MX clubs face against emerging MLS teams, especially those like San Diego FC, who are rapidly developing their squads and on-field synergy.
Looking forward, San Diego FC will build on this success as they transition back to MLS competition, while Mazatlán FC will re-evaluate after an early exit, aiming to improve in future tournaments.
In summary, San Diego FC’s 2-0 win over Mazatlán FC at Snapdragon Stadium marked a major milestone for the expansion club in the Leagues Cup. Onni Valakari’s two goals and strong defensive discipline earned San Diego their first victory in the competition, while Mazatlán’s elimination signals a steep challenge for Liga MX sides facing MLS opponents. This result not only reflects the growing parity between leagues but also sets exciting expectations for San Diego FC as they continue to evolve on the continental stage.
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