San Diego vs LAFC isn’t a rivalry yet, but just wait until Saturday | OneFootball

Not all rivalries need a creation myth in order to exist. Sometimes all it takes is the right mix: geographic tension, a feisty upstart, a heavyweight with pressure, and a stadium full of energy just waiting to combust. Well, Saturday night at Snapdragon Stadium, MLS has another hot spot on its map. San Diego FC and LAFC meet for the very first time, and anyone who thinks this is going to be just another ordinary regular season match is in for a shock.

San Diego craves respect, LAFC won't tolerate mistakes

San Diego FC comes in looking like a team that got schooled in a hurry. Even without key names — Mexican star Chucky Lozano and Marcus Ingvartsen are still out — the team has shown structure, discipline, and tons of character. The 2-1 loss to Austin FC was a first franchise loss, but it did not take the shine off a good start: two wins, two draws, and only four goals conceded in five matches. Not every expansion team begins this way. At the other end of the spectrum, there is no background actor like LAFC.

They're coming off a solid road win at Sporting Kansas City, fueled by yet another razor-sharp performance from Hugo Lloris, who's already recorded three clean sheets on the season. And don't forget David Martínez, the 19-year-old Venezuelan forward already flourishing as one of the league's most promising young players. But the truth is, Steve Cherundolo's side is still searching for consistency. and can’t afford to slip right before facing Inter Miami in the Concacaf Champions Cup.

Eyes on the now, but Messi’s Miami looms ahead

The schedule doesn’t cut slack. LAFC faces six of their next eight games on the road and already has Messi’s Miami creeping into view. Their first quarterfinal clash in the Concacaf Champions Cup comes next Wednesday, in Los Angeles. But before that, a new rival is looking to claim space. And anyone who thinks San Diego will roll over doesn’t know how opportunity smells.

Anders Dreyer is San Diego's man so far

With Chucky out, Anders Dreyer has stepped up. The winger has scored three goals in five matches, played every minute of every match, and carried the team's offensive load with their star out.

Here's a nice twist: LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo returns home. Born in San Diego, raised in Nomads SC, and having had a decent career in the Bundesliga, he'll reacquaint himself with where it all began, but don't expect any warm welcomes. He knows the crowd will be against him, and any mistake will be a headline.

In addition to Martínez and Lloris, there is Denis Bouanga, still awaiting his first MLS goal of 2025. Do not worry about him, however. He scored 40 goals in the past two campaigns. The man just knows how to score goals. And there is Cengiz Ünder, newly transferred from Fenerbahçe, with two assists already and a wrecker with his incisive movement and vertical play. LAFC's front three are a threat from anywhere. The question is whether the midfield and defense can keep up.

Score first, stay in charge

One statistic could make all the difference. LAFC has lost all four games this season when conceding the first goal. That makes the first goal a virtual deal-breaker. If San Diego can get on the board early, like it did against the Galaxy, things could fall apart quickly for the Black and Gold.

San Diego is still looking for that first home win, and this is the kind of match that gets everyone excited. Taking down a giant, getting that first Snapdragon Stadium win against an MLS powerhouse, it makes this more than a ordinary match.