San Diego FC has made history in their debut season by becoming the first club to clinch a berth in the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. This achievement comes after a scoreless draw against the Portland Timbers on Matchday 30. The team is now looking to break the expansion-season points record and become the first club to win the Supporters’ Shield in their inaugural campaign. With six matches remaining, San Diego FC leads the Western Conference with 53 points, just one point behind the Philadelphia Union in the Shield race.
The team’s success can be attributed to the outstanding performances of their star players. Anders Dreyer has emerged as a strong candidate for the Landon Donovan MLS MVP and Newcomer of the Year awards, with a league-best 30 goal contributions. Mexico international winger Chucky Lozano has also delivered impressive results, with 8 goals and 8 assists. Other notable players include All-Star midfielder Jeppe Tverskov and USMNT midfielder Luca de la Torre.
San Diego FC has also committed to playing young players from their Right to Dream Academy, showcasing their long-term vision for the club. Coach Mikey Varas has been a key factor in the team’s success and is now a contender for the Sigi Schmid Coach of the Year award. As the team looks to continue their unprecedented inaugural season, the question remains whether they can become the second expansion side in MLS history to win the MLS Cup in their first year.
The Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs are set to begin on October 22 with Wild Card matches, and the MLS Cup presented by Audi will be played on December 6. The playoffs will feature the top 7 seeds in each conference competing in a Best-of-3 Series, while seeds 8-9 will compete in Wild Card matches. All games can be watched on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. With their playoff berth secure, San Diego FC will look to build on their momentum and make a deep run in the playoffs.