When San Diego FC was announced as the newest expansion team in MLS, most people looked at the roster—names like Hirving "Chucky" Lozano and Anders Dreyer—and figured they’d be good. But nobody really expected them to walk into Mercedes-Benz Stadium in September 2025 and play like they owned the place.
Honestly, the Atlanta United vs. San Diego FC matchup was a bit of a surreal moment for the 5-Stripes faithful. You’ve got Atlanta, a team that practically invented the modern "big club" blueprint in North America, facing off against the new kids on the block who were actually executing that blueprint better than anyone.
The game ended 1-1. But the score doesn't really tell the whole story.
The Chucky Lozano and Anders Dreyer Factor
If you haven't been following San Diego's inaugural run, it’s basically been a masterclass in scouting. While Atlanta United has been searching for its identity lately—cycling through managers and trying to find that 2018 magic—San Diego showed up with a clear plan.
In the 32nd minute of that September clash, we saw exactly why SDFC finished the 2025 season with a record-breaking 63 points. Chucky Lozano did what he does best: he found a pocket of space, froze the defender, and squared a ball that was essentially a gift for Anders Dreyer.
Dreyer is a monster. Most people don't realize he was a legitimate MVP candidate last season. He’s clinical. One touch, back of the net, 1-0. For a good portion of that first half, Atlanta looked a step slow, struggling to deal with the "Right to Dream" philosophy that Mikey Varas has implemented in San Diego. It’s high-pressing, high-possession, and frankly, a little exhausting to watch if you're the opponent.
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Miggy’s Milestone Moment
But you can’t talk about Atlanta United vs. San Diego FC without talking about Miguel Almirón.
There was a lot of emotion in the building. It was Miggy’s 100th appearance for the club. For a guy who left and came back, hitting that century mark felt like a heavy piece of club history. For a while, it looked like San Diego might spoil the party.
Then came the 61st minute.
Jamal Thiaré, who has this incredible knack for drawing contact in the box, got taken down by CJ dos Santos. The ref didn't hesitate. Penalty.
The stadium went quiet, then erupted as Almirón stepped up. He didn't blink. He buried it into the bottom left corner. 1-1. It wasn't just a goal; it was a reminder of what Atlanta used to be. The 5-Stripes ended up with an expected goals (xG) of 2.05 compared to San Diego’s 0.8. They should have won. They almost won. But that’s soccer.
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Why This Matchup Still Matters in 2026
We’re sitting here in early 2026 now, and the landscape is shifting. San Diego FC didn't just have a "fluke" season. They broke the record for most points by an expansion team (63) and most wins (19). They proved that you can build a winning culture from scratch if you have the right scouting network.
On the other side, Atlanta United is in a bit of a "wait and see" mode. Ronny Deila is trying to stabilize a defense that looked leaky for much of 2025. They’ve re-signed Ronald Hernández, which is a solid move for depth, but the fans are hungry for more.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception about the Atlanta United vs. San Diego FC rivalry—if you can call it that yet—is that Atlanta is the "old guard."
Sure, they've been around since 2017, but in MLS years, that’s not exactly ancient history. The real difference is the approach to the Designated Player (DP) spots. San Diego hit home runs with Lozano and Dreyer immediately. Atlanta’s recent summer signings, like Juan Berrocal and Enea Mihaj, are still finding their footing in the league’s unique travel and climate demands.
- Possession Stats: San Diego dominated the ball (63% to 37%).
- Shot Volume: Atlanta took 17 shots. San Diego only took 6.
- The Result: Efficiency vs. Volume.
It’s kinda fascinating. Atlanta had all the chances. They hit the crossbar. They had a goal disallowed for a razor-thin offside. San Diego, meanwhile, just waited for their moment, took it, and then invited Atlanta to try and break them down.
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Looking Ahead: The 2026 Rematch
As we look toward the 2026 schedule, this is the game you need to circle. San Diego is no longer an "expansion team" in anyone's eyes. They are a Western Conference powerhouse that just added Lewis Morgan from the Red Bulls. They are deeper, meaner, and they know they can get results in tough environments like Atlanta.
Atlanta United is desperate to prove they aren't falling behind. The 5-Stripes have one of the highest wage bills in the league, but as we saw in September, money doesn't always buy goals when you're facing a well-drilled side like SDFC.
Key Tactical Adjustments for the Next Meeting
If Atlanta wants to actually take all three points next time, they have to fix the transition defense. Lozano is still one of the fastest players in the league over 20 yards. If you lose the ball in the middle third against San Diego, you’re basically asking for a highlight-reel goal against you.
Also, watch out for the youth. San Diego just picked up Martin Luala in the 2026 SuperDraft. He’s a midfielder who can cover a ridiculous amount of ground. If Atlanta's midfield—led by Bartosz Slisz—can't control the tempo, it's going to be another long afternoon of chasing shadows.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
- Watch the xG: In their last meeting, Atlanta's xG was double San Diego's. This suggests Atlanta’s system creates chances, but their finishing is the bottleneck.
- Home/Away Splits: San Diego was actually better on the road in late 2025 than they were at Snapdragon Stadium. Don't assume the home-field advantage at Mercedes-Benz is a lock.
- Player to Watch: Alexey Miranchuk. He was the unsung hero of the draw, creating multiple chances that his teammates just couldn't convert.
The next time these two face off, expect a chess match. San Diego will likely stick to their possession-heavy style, while Atlanta will try to use the crowd's energy to fuel a high-intensity press. One thing is for sure: it won't be a boring 0-0 draw. Both teams have too much attacking talent for that.
Keep an eye on the injury reports for the next clash, particularly regarding Chucky Lozano. His chemistry with the rest of the SDFC front line is what makes them tick. Without him, San Diego becomes a lot more predictable. With him, they're a nightmare for any backline in the league.