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The Guardian
4 hours ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
San Diego FC are setting risky new records in an eye-catching MLS debut
For a goalkeeper under pressure, there's one safe way out: turn away from the opponent, shield the ball with your body and boot it long. A few minutes into the second half against Nashville last weekend, Pablo Sisniega did the exact opposite. San Diego FC's backup goalkeeper trapped a bouncing pass with his sole so that the ball dangled out in front of him like a fisher's lure, then waited flat-footed outside his box while Major League Soccer's joint-leading scorer Sam Surridge hurtled toward him. At one second to impact, Sisniega held out his hand and beckoned to his 20-year-old center back Manu Duah: come closer. A minute later, the newest – and riskiest – team in MLS had scored a winning goal. 'Talk is cheap, I understand that,' San Diego's head coach Mike Varas said when he was hired last year, before the expansion side had held a training session or even signed most of its squad, 'but we're going to be brave to play. When teams come to press us, we're going to find solutions under the press.' True to his promise, Varas's goalkeepers have refused to play it safe this season, launching just 8.6 percent of their open-play passes more than 40 yards. According to the stats site FBref, that's not just an MLS record – it's lower than Barcelona, Man City or any other team in Europe's top five leagues going back at least as far as 2017-18. Like most leagues around the world, MLS is in the midst of a buildup boom. Phase of play data from the new live score app Futi, which I co-founded, shows the league taking 257 touches per game this season in the buildup, a phase defined approximately as controlled open-play possession in a team's defensive half. That number has nearly doubled from 138 ten years ago. Still, no one in MLS comes close to San Diego's 367 buildup touches per game in 2025. By some measures, they're more committed to playing out of the back than any team on record. From a distance, San Diego's style looks like a natural continuation of soccer's decades-long arc toward more buildup play against increasingly disciplined high presses, a history written by the coaches Varas admires: Pep Guardiola, sure, but also Marcelo Bielsa, Maurizio Sarri, Roberto De Zerbi, Luis Enrique. 'So many, so many,' he says. 'I mean, I'm a football junkie.' But while those managers work with the best players in the world, San Diego started their very first preseason six months ago with a group of '30 strangers,' as Nashville's head coach BJ Callaghan put it before last weekend's game. For most MLS expansion teams, throwing together a team on a budget under byzantine roster rules means settling for a pragmatic playing style or none at all. At San Diego, the style came first. The club belongs to a network called Right to Dream, which began as a youth academy in Ghana, grew to include Denmark's FC Nordsjaelland, and was bought by Egypt's Mansour Group in 2021. The organization won an MLS expansion bid with San Diego to form a multi-club ownership group along with Egyptian women's team FC Masar. As part of its focus on youth development, the group has developed a distinctive style of play that emphasizes attracting pressure and playing quickly through tight spaces in the center of the pitch. 'The idea is, how can we get the opponent to be attracted to the ball, to start to release and jump forward,' Varas said, 'and then how do we recognize that moment and accelerate the play through them, around them or over them, depending on how they jump?' San Diego take specific risks to trigger the opponent's high press, such as exchanging short 'repeating passes' with a player facing away from goal or sending the ball back to the goalkeeper and then sideways or even backwards to a center back who drops all the way to the goalline. You can see both tactics in a plot of buildup pass types that the team attempts more than other MLS sides. 'Of course, the point is not to play passes back there. The point is to beat the opponent's press, right?' Varas said. The payoff for these risky passes comes when San Diego can play out of pressure and find what they call a 'breakthrough,' running downhill between the lines with the ball at the feet of their star wingers, Anders Dreyer and Hirving Lozano. Futi's data shows that San Diego spend more time in the fast break phase of play than any team in the league, edging out Lionel Messi's Inter Miami. Sign up to Soccer with Jonathan Wilson Jonathan Wilson brings expert analysis on the biggest stories from European soccer after newsletter promotion To get there, though, they have to roll the dice on inexperienced players. The makeshift back four that beat Nashville averaged just 20 years old, almost certainly the youngest starting back line in MLS history. Even at full strength, San Diego rely on a rookie goalkeeper and two teenage fullbacks, a consequence of MLS rules that encourage teams to spend big on attackers and skimp at the back. 'It was pretty interesting sitting in some of these Right to Dream meetings,' San Diego's 33-year-old sporting director Tyler Heaps said, 'explaining to them, 'Look, we're taking even more risk in MLS because we're building up with our lowest-paid players against everybody's highest-paid players, and we're not giving the ball to our highest-paid players until it's time to score goals.'' The key to finding bargains at the back was starting from Right to Dream's style and role profiles. 'We challenge our scouts not to watch exactly what the player is doing, but to try to find traits that exemplify what we want to do,' Heaps said. He used the example of the club's just-turned 19-year-old left back, who joined from the developmental league MLS Next Pro. 'Luca Bombino, in LAFC 2, was not playing the way that we played. But we saw a player that was very good in terms of solving situations under pressure.' Bombino has since thrived enough to reportedly attract a bid from West Brom, which was rejected. It helps that Heaps and Varas both worked for years at the US Soccer Federation, building a network of youth national team contacts who shared a love of buildup play. This summer San Diego have signed one teenage American after another, making up for the nascent club's lack of academy players by collecting future USMNT prospects like Infinity Stones. 'I'm not saying that I want the national team to play this exact way because I think in international football, it might be too risky,' Heaps said. 'But I think a lot of the skills that we are teaching our players will help any team.' So far the risk-taking is paying off for San Diego, who sit top of the MLS Western Conference and are on pace to be the best expansion side in league history. 'In our style of play, because we put the players in such uncomfortable positions, I think we develop quite brave players, right?' Varas said. 'They have to solve a lot of tough situations. That helps develop players for the highest level.'
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Leagues Cup: Pachuca FC beat San Diego FC 3-2; Mazatlan edge LAFC 11-10 in marathon shootout
In a thrilling Tuesday night of Leagues Cup action, Pachuca FC secured a 3-2 victory over San Diego FC , with both sides trading goals in an intense back-and-forth battle. Meanwhile, Mazatlan edged past LAFC in a dramatic 11-10 penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. The marathon shootout saw 21 straight penalty takers convert before LAFC blinked first, handing Mazatlan the extra point. The results marked a strong showing for Liga MX sides against their MLS counterparts, with Pachuca's attacking edge and Mazatlan's nerves of steel proving decisive in a night full of drama, goals, and high-stakes tension. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Leadership Design Thinking PGDM Operations Management Data Analytics Artificial Intelligence Product Management Management Others Public Policy Technology CXO Finance MCA Data Science Digital Marketing MBA others Data Science Project Management healthcare Degree Skills you'll gain: Opportunities & Outlining Plans to use AI & ML Applying Data-Driven Business Innovation Best Practices Changing Culture to Integrate AI-Enabled Technologies Ethics, Privacy and Regulations in AI & ML Duration: 20 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Leadership in AI Starts on May 14, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Strategic Thinking & Planning Competitive Advantage & Market Positioning Strategic Leadership & Decision-Making Change Management & Organizational Transformation Duration: 1 Year IIM Kozhikode IIMK Advanced Strategic Management Programme Starts on Mar 30, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Weeks IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK EPIS Async India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Months IIM Kozhikode SEPO - IIMK CEO Programme India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months IIM Indore Executive Programme in Business Management Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Months IIM Kozhikode SEPO - IIMK CEO Programme India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIM Lucknow CERT-IIML SLP India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK-Women Leadership Programme INDIA Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Financial Accounting & Analysis Financial Instruments & Markets Corporate Finance & Valuation Investment Management & Banking Duration: 12 Months IIM Kozhikode IIMK Professional Certificate in Financial Analysis and Financial Management Starts on Mar 30, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Weeks IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK EPIS Async India Starts on undefined Get Details Alexei Dominguez delivered a standout performance with two goals and an assist as CF Pachuca defeated San Diego FC 3-2 on the road, extending their winning streak to four matches across all competitions. Dominguez set the tone early with a precise diagonal ball that led to Victor Guzman's opening goal in the 23rd minute. He then scored twice himself - first in first-half stoppage time, pouncing on his own rebound after Pablo Sisniega's save, and again in the 67th minute with a long-range strike into the top left corner to make it 3-0. — LeaguesCup (@LeaguesCup) Live Events Despite being reduced to 10 men after Anders Dreyer's red card, San Diego mounted a late comeback. Emmanuel Boateng scored in the 88th minute, and Luca Bombino added a stoppage-time goal, but it wasn't enough to complete the rally. Pachuca held on for the win, powered by Dominguez's dominant display. Mazatlan topple LAFC in thrilling shootout Fabio Gomes scored his first goal for Mazatlan and helped the Liga MX side outlast LAFC in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw. Gomes, playing just his second match in the CONCACAF region since 2021, equalised in the 31st minute with a composed low finish to the far post after receiving a pass from Dudu Teodora. — LeaguesCup (@LeaguesCup) LAFC had taken the lead moments earlier when David Martinez struck a well-timed half-volley past goalkeeper Ricardo Rodriguez, set up by Tim Tillman's lofted ball. — LeaguesCup (@LeaguesCup) In the marathon shootout, Denis Bouanga missed LAFC's 12th attempt, handing Mazatlan the extra point in the group standings. Bouanga also missed a crucial penalty last month at the FIFA Club World Cup, continuing his recent struggles from the spot.
Newsweek
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
How to Watch Pachuca vs San Diego FC: Live Stream Leagues Cup, TV Channel
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. On Tuesday night, San Diego FC debuts in Leagues Cup play, as the team takes on Pachuca at Snapdragon Stadium. Anders Dreyer #10 of San Diego FC attacks against Los Angeles FC during the second half of a game at Snapdragon Stadium on March 29, 2025 in San Diego, California. Anders Dreyer #10 of San Diego FC attacks against Los Angeles FC during the second half of a game at Snapdragon Stadium on March 29, 2025 in San Diego, to Watch Pachuca vs San Diego FC Date: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 Time: 11:00 PM EDT Channel: FOX Sports 1 Stream: Fubo (watch now) Both are in impressive form coming into Leagues Cup play. Pachuca is coming off a 2024–25 season as CONCACAF Champions Cup winners, and the roster has been strengthened by the addition of new players William Carvalho and Jhonder Cádiz. The team is currently at the top of the Liga MX standings with an undefeated record. San Diego FC has also got off to a strong start, leading the Western Conference with a record of 14-4-7 thanks to the dynamic duo of Anders Dreyer and Chucky Lozano. They have made San Diego a dominant force, leading the league in goals scored with 48. San Diego may have a slight edge due to its home-field advantage, but Pachuca by no means can be counted out. Live stream the Leagues Cup play on Fubo. With games airing on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2, you'll have a chance to watch many of the top soccer players in the world compete. Live stream Pachuca vs San Diego FC with Fubo: Start your subscription now! Regional restrictions may apply. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.
Fox News
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Fox News
Pachuca vs. San Diego FC: Preview, odds, how to watch, time
The Leagues Cup action continues as Pachuca takes on San Diego FC in a group stage match. Here's everything you need to know about Pachuca vs. San Diego FC. As of July 28, 2025, the odds (via DraftKings Sportsbook) for the match are: Pachuca and San Diego FC have never played each other before. This will be their first official meeting. Below are the last 5 matches for each team and the results: Pachuca San Diego FC
Fox Sports
a day ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Pachuca vs. San Diego FC: Preview, odds, how to watch, time
The Leagues Cup action continues as Pachuca takes on San Diego FC in a group stage match. Here's everything you need to know about Pachuca vs. San Diego FC. How to watch Pachuca vs. San Diego FC Date: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 Time: 11:00 p.m. ET Location: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, CA TV: FS1 Lionel Messi delivered a standout performance, scoring twice and providing an assist as Inter Miami defeated New York Red Bulls 5–1 in MLS action. Messi's connection with Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and his clinical finishing helped power Miami to a dominant victory. Betting Odds As of July 28, 2025, the odds (via DraftKings Sportsbook) for the match are: Pachuca: +175 Draw: +255 San Diego FC: +130 Pachuca vs. San Diego FC Head to Head Pachuca and San Diego FC have never played each other before. This will be their first official meeting. Team Form Below are the last 5 matches for each team and the results: Pachuca 7/26: vs Mazatlán (W, 1–0) 7/20: at UNAM (W, 3–2) 7/13: vs Monterrey (W, 3–0) 6/25: at Alajuelense (L, 0–2) 6/22: at Real Madrid (L, 1–3) San Diego FC 7/25: vs Nashville (W, 1–0) 7/19: vs Vancouver (D, 1–1) 7/15: vs Toronto (L, 0–1) 7/12: at Chicago (W, 2–1) 7/5: vs Houston (L, 3–4) Get more from the Leagues Cup Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more in this topic
