San Diego FC defense disappoint in 3-1 loss against Club América
San Diego FC players speak with each other on a rainy Thursday night in the historic Estadio Azteca. (Photo courtesy: San Diego FC)
San Diego FC opened their 2026 League’s Cup campaign in disappointing fashion for the second year in a row. At the historic Estadio Azteca San Diego FC lost 3-0 against Liga MX giant Club América.
“It's a match that we have to learn a lot from because we played against a very high-level opponent in a historical stadium with a with a great environment, and it's not an easy game to play,” said SDFC Head Coach Mikey Varas. “I think we did some things well, some buildups, interesting buildups, but we need to be much more dangerous in creating more volume of dangerous chances and creating more stress on their goalkeeper.”
San Diego opted to try a different formation to start the match with five defenders in the back, which is uncharacteristic of their typical vertical attacking style, but a fair option against a more technically skilled Liga MX club.
However, the defense faltered giving up three goals in the first half in the 11th minute, the 33rd and second minute of stoppage time.
Brian Rodríguez scored the first goal cutting through three defenders at the top of the box easily with limited pressure then beating goalkeeper CJ Dos Santos with a strong shot to the far post.
The second goal was another defensive mistake this time by SDFC midseason acquisition, Dagur Thórhallson in the right wingback position. Thórhallson tried to jump for a long ball and head it away, but couldn’t reach the ball falling to the floor allowing Rodríguez to control it and enter the penalty area.
Thórhallson tried to rise and defend, but Rodríguez got into the box and passed the ball on a line to Erick Sánchez. The entire SDFC backline was in the penalty area, but allowed the pass with little opposition and left Sánchez unmarked.
The referee called for two minutes of stoppage time and the third goal came in the second minute of that time during an América counter attack.
Rodríguez earned another assist starting from the midfield and bringing the ball up quickly before moving centrally drawing San Diego defenders to him leaving the right channel more open. Àguilas forward Isaías Violante was open on the right side and shot a bullet past Dos Santos to make it 3-0.
San Diego brought on two defensive substitutes to start the second half and later scored thanks to their 61st minute addition, Anibal Godoy. The Panamanian midfielder moved the ball up connecting with Lewis Morgan before sending a long cross to Oscar Verhoeven on the far post.
Verhoeven passed it centrally to David Vasquez who missed his shot, but Luca Bombino was behind him to finish the chance.
San Diego play their next Leagues Cup match at home on Sunday, August 9, against their neighbors to the south, Club Tijuana, highlighted by star Mexican midfielder Gilberto Mora. Through three matches in the Liga MX Apertura season the Xoloitzcuintles are second on the table only behind Club América.
