In the Pachuca vs San Diego FC Leagues Cup opener at Snapdragon Stadium, Pachuca beat hosts San Diego FC 3‑2 behind a brace from Alexéi Domínguez, despite late goals from Emmanuel Boateng and Luca Bombino. Anders Dreyer’s red card and debut drama marked an intense start for the expansion club.
🏟 Pachuca vs San Diego FC Recap
In their Leagues Cup debut San Diego FC lost to CF Pachuca 3‑2 at Snapdragon Stadium on July 29, 2025. Victor Guzmán opened the scoring in the 23rd minute which was followed by a first-half stoppage time header from Alexéi Domínguez who later also scored a long range strike in the 67th to make it 3‑0. Late goals from Emmanuel Boateng (88′) and Luca Bombino (90′ +10) created some hope but a stoppage time red card for Anders Dreyer sealed off the comeback. Pachuca dominated control to secure their opening victory.
🌟 Key Performers & Drama
- Alexéi Domínguez starred with two decisive goals and an assist, setting the tone early.
- Víctor Guzmán capitalized on a rebound off the keeper’s face for the opener.
- Emmanuel Boateng, San Diego’s late substitute, scored their first-ever Leagues Cup goal in the 88th minute.
- Luca Bombino provided a stoppage-time header to make it 3‑2, raising hopes only for Dreyer’s red card to overshadow the final act.
🌎 Why This Match Matters
This game marked San Diego FC’s first international competition appearance, a milestone for the MLS expansion team. The clash featured Chucky Lozano facing his former club. Pachuca began the Leagues Cup unbeaten in Liga MX and came in with confidence, while SDFC showed both potential and cracks under pressure.
📊 Tactical Details
San Diego started aggressively with Lozano and Jeppe Tverskov looking dangerous early but failed to convert. Pachuca gradually dominated, using precision passing and opportunism. San Diego struggled with build-up play and fell apart as Pachuca’s fluid midfield dictated tempo. The Danes’ Dreyer red card compounded frustration at the end.
🧭 Team Trajectories
- San Diego FC: MLS’s newest expansion side, debuting in 2025 under coach Mikey Varas. Star players include Anders Dreyer (league-leading assists) and Chucky Lozano, the club’s first designated player.
- CF Pachuca: They are The Liga MX powerhouse and also 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup winner. They are well known for success in continental tournaments and they entered Group play as one of the favorites.
⌚️ MF | 🇲🇽 PACHUCA 3-2 San Diego 🇺🇸
¡FIN DEL PARTIDO! ¡NOS QUEDAMOS CON LOS 3 PUNTOS EN SAN DIEGO!
#PachucaSanDiego | #LeaguesCup2025 pic.twitter.com/5eAG2slZ7R— Club Pachuca (@Tuzos) July 30, 2025
📍 Leagues Cup Format & Importance
The Leagues Cup pits MLS vs Liga MX clubs in a CONCACAF tournament now offering US TV revenue, international exposure, and entry to Champions Cup. This debut match served as a barometer for MLS expansion team competitiveness in regional play.
🧐 Implications & What’s Next
- San Diego FC (Western Conf leaders) must regroup quickly as Dreyer is suspended for the next group match vs Tigres UANL on Aug 1.
- Pachuca heads on to face LAFC away next, riding momentum and bringing a balanced mix of experienced stars and youth.