San Diego, CA, December 1, 2025
San Diego FC’s first MLS season ended with a 3-1 loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps in the Western Conference Final. Despite the defeat, the team’s record-setting season instilled pride among local supporters and showcased San Diego’s thriving sports environment. With new league records for expansion clubs and remarkable fan engagement, the franchise leaves a promising legacy for future seasons as it shines a spotlight on San Diego’s sports culture.
San Diego FC Concludes Inaugural Season with 3-1 Loss
Historic Season Sets New Records for the Team
San Diego, CA – San Diego FC’s first Major League Soccer (MLS) season came to a close on Saturday night after a 3-1 defeat at the hands of the Vancouver Whitecaps in the Western Conference Final held at Snapdragon Stadium. While the match outcome was disappointing for the enthusiastic local supporters, the season itself marked a resounding success for the franchise and the San Diego community.
The inaugural season of San Diego FC was filled with promise, showcasing the determination and resilience of local entrepreneurs and the regional sports economy. Despite facing challenges, the team became a beacon of community pride, reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit that defines San Diego. With limited regulation in place, the franchise was able to foster growth and engage fans, setting an encouraging precedent for future expansions within the region.
Match Highlights
– Early Goals by Vancouver: The Whitecaps asserted their dominance early in the match, with Brian White finding the net just 8 minutes in. A subsequent own goal by San Diego’s goalkeeper, Pablo Sisniega, added to the team’s struggles, pushing the score to 2-0 within the first 11 minutes.
– Second Half Response: The San Diego FC rallied in the second half, with Hirving “Chucky” Lozano scoring in the 60th minute to narrow the gap to 3-1. However, the team faced an uphill battle following Sisniega’s red card in the 79th minute, leaving them short-handed for the final stages of the game.
Season Overview
San Diego FC made history during their debut season, finishing as the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference with an impressive total of 63 points—a new league record for expansion clubs. Moreover, they joined the exclusive ranks of other MLS expansion teams by being only the second to reach a Conference Final, following in the footsteps of the 1998 Chicago Fire.
This remarkable journey not only reflects the team’s potential but also signifies the capability of San Diego’s sports environment and its significance in promoting the local economy, particularly through small-business partnerships.
Looking Ahead
The exit of San Diego FC from the playoffs sets the stage for the upcoming MLS Cup Final, where the Vancouver Whitecaps will face Inter Miami on December 6. For both teams, this final represents a historic achievement, providing tremendous visibility and opportunities for community engagement and local fan support.
Key Match Statistics
| Statistic | San Diego FC | Vancouver Whitecaps |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 1 | 3 |
| Possession | 53.9% | 46.1% |
| Shots on Target | 4 | 8 |
| Corners | 5 | 1 |
| Passing Accuracy | 85.8% | 85.3% |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the final score of the San Diego FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps match?
The Vancouver Whitecaps won 3-1 against San Diego FC in the Western Conference Final.
Who scored the goals for San Diego FC in the match?
Hirving “Chucky” Lozano scored the only goal for San Diego FC in the 60th minute.
What records did San Diego FC set during their inaugural season?
San Diego FC set a new league record for most points (63) by an expansion club and became only the second expansion team in MLS history to advance to a Conference Final.
When is the MLS Cup Final between Vancouver Whitecaps and Inter Miami?
The MLS Cup Final between Vancouver Whitecaps and Inter Miami is scheduled for December 6.
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
