San Diego FC erupts in second half for 4-1 win over Pumas

San Diego FC stacked statement wins in their inaugural season. They started year two win another.

The newest MLS club scored four times in the second half to beat Pumas 4-1 in the Concacaf Champions Cup.

In typical SDFC fashion Mikey Varas’ team controlled the first half, but was unable to capitalize. Meanwhile Robert Morales was opportunistic for the visitors, connecting on a beautiful scissor kick to give Pumas a 1-0 halftime lead.

In the 68th minute the match flipped. Anders Dreyer swung a corner kick into the box, and last year’s No. 1 pick Manu Duah sent a header past Pumas goalkeeper Keylor Navas. It was Duah’s first professional goal.

From there the floodgates opened.

San Diego FC newcomer Wilson Eisner connected with David Vasquez for another header in the 76th minute to give SDFC its first lead.

Just over five minutes later a Navas save ended up on the right foot of Alex Mighten for a 3-1 advantage.

In the 86th minute Pumas failed to clear in front of the net, allowing Luca Bombino to push a punctuation mark across.

Four goals in the span of almost exactly 17 minutes for a 4-1 win and a commanding advantage in the two game first round series.

In their first match of the year, playing against a club with four league appearance behind them, SDFC held 73 percent of possession and had a 10-0 edge in corner kicks. San Diego FC also led 22-4 in shots and 7-2 in shots on goal.

The clubs meet again next Tuesday in Mexico City. Winner of the series faces Toluca in the round of 16.

The Champions Cup is a qualifier for the 2029 Club World Cup.