By any measure, San Diego FC’s inaugural season was a smashing success. Nobody could have imagined they would reach the Western Conference final as a rookie Major League Soccer team. What they’ve accomplished is nothing short of historic.
Alas, that doesn’t ease the sting of a 3-1 loss to Vancouver on Saturday night at Snapdragon Stadium, a result that brings SDFC’s first year to an end just one step shy of the MLS Cup Final. It didn’t take Vancouver long to take control.
Brian White scored in the 8th minute after a defensive breakdown by SDFC and the Whitecaps took a 2-0 lead a few minutes later on an own goal when a shot bounced off goalie Pablo Sisniega and into the net. White added one more before the 1st half to make it 3-0 and basically end any further drama.
San Diego scored in the 2nd half on a strike from Hirving “Chucky” Lozano but it was far too little, too late. Vancouver heads to Miami to face Lionel Messi’s crew for the Major League Soccer championship while San Diego enters its offseason with a ton to be proud of and a chance to build on what is inarguably the greatest year an MLS expansion team has ever had.
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