As the MLS season approaches, San Diego FC is proving they are not just an average second-year soccer team.
Recently, San Diego faced Liga MX team Pumas in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Although they lost the match 1-0 at Estadio Olimpico Universitario in Mexico City, they advanced on aggregate after winning the first leg 4-1 in San Diego on February 3.
San Diego head coach Mikey Varas emphasized earlier this week that his team would not play defensively to protect their lead.
“We will always stick to our style of play,” Varas stated. “You will see San Diego FC going all out to score goals and be in control of the game.”
Pumas, a three-time Champions Cup winner, started strong, taking 26 shots compared to San Diego’s five. They also completed over 250 more passes, made 21 crosses to San Diego’s two, and had nine shots on target.
Goalkeeper Pablo Sisniega was crucial in keeping Pumas at bay, especially in Mexico City’s high altitude.
After a goalless first half, Pedro Vite, who joined from the Vancouver Whitecaps last July, scored with a free kick in the 47th minute. The ball went over the defenders and appeared to surprise Sisniega, who couldn’t react in time as it slipped under his right foot.
Nonetheless, Sisniega saved the other shots aimed at him, with the San Diego defense also contributing significantly with 23 clearances.
Next, San Diego will face reigning Liga MX champion Toluca in the round of 16, with the first legs scheduled for March 10-12.