San Diego FC Faces Tough Test Against Charlotte FC
San Diego FC (SDFC) is gearing up for an arduous away match against Charlotte FC this Saturday, following a narrow 3-2 defeat to the Colorado Rapids in their last outing. This upcoming game marks another long-distance journey for the team, as they travel more than 2,300 miles—almost double the distance they covered last week.
Current Standings and Match Preview
As SDFC prepares for this challenging match, they find themselves with a record of 4 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws, putting them in a tie for third place in the Western Conference of Major League Soccer (MLS). In contrast, Charlotte FC boasts a robust record of 5 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss, securing second place in the Eastern Conference.
Head coach Mikey Varas has emphasized the importance of these competitive challenges for his squad, stating, “That’s what we want. We want to test ourselves against the best, see where we’re at, see where we’re good and see where we need to get better.”
Lessons from Recent Performance
The loss to Colorado marked a pivotal moment for SDFC, as it was the first time this season they allowed more than two goals in a match. Coach Varas acknowledged the impact of the high altitude during the game but refrained from using it as an excuse. “I loved that we were brave,” he added, while also recognizing areas for improvement, particularly in passing and ball control.
Late in the match against Colorado, forward Tomás Ángel scored a goal in the 89th minute, tightening the score to 3-2, and SDFC pushed hard during injury time for an equalizer but fell short.
Scouting Charlotte FC
Heading into the match, SDFC faces a formidable Charlotte team, characterized by a goal differential of plus-6, ranking among the best in the league. Star midfielder Pep Beal leads Charlotte with three goals, while winger Wilfried Zaha, a designated player known for his athleticism and scoring ability, is expected to make his return from injury. Zaha has netted two goals in six matches this season.
Upcoming Schedule and Home Advantage
While this Saturday’s match poses a significant challenge, SDFC’s upcoming schedule looks more favorable. After competing in Charlotte, San Diego will return to Snapdragon Stadium for five of their next six matches. Their next two opponents, Real Salt Lake and FC Dallas, currently have a combined record of 6 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws.
“The quality of this squad is really high,” said midfielder Luca de la Torre, reinforcing the team’s commitment to continual improvement.
Community Engagement: Watch Party and Ticket Sales
For fans wanting to support SDFC, the club is hosting a watch party at The Soap Factory in Logan Heights on Saturday. The event will begin at 10 a.m. and will feature a DJ, food trucks, a bar, and a youth soccer tournament, culminating in the live broadcast of the game at 4:30 p.m.
Additionally, tickets for SDFC’s upcoming home games in the 2025 Leagues Cup are now available. The team will face C.F. Pachuca on July 29, followed by Tigres UNRL on August 1, and Mazatlán FC on August 5. The Leagues Cup entails a high-profile clash between MLS and Liga MX teams, anticipated by soccer fans across both leagues.
Women’s Soccer Update: San Diego Wave
In women’s soccer, the San Diego Wave will compete against Racing Louisville this Saturday at noon in Kentucky. Coming off a challenging 2-0 loss to the Kansas City Current, the Wave will look to leverage the skills of forward Delphine Cascarino, who currently leads the NWSL with two assists.
Fans can catch the match on Fox 5 or stream it live on Paramount+.
