Nobody really expected the game to feel this heavy. On paper, it was just another Leagues Cup group stage match in August 2025. But when Mazatlán F.C. vs San Diego FC finally kicked off at Snapdragon Stadium, the energy was different. You could feel it in the parking lot two hours before the gates even opened.
For San Diego FC, this wasn't just another fixture. It was their first real taste of international competition in their inaugural season. For Mazatlán, it was about proving that the "Gunners" of Liga MX could handle the noise and the hype of an ambitious MLS expansion side.
Honestly, the first half was a bit of a slog. Both teams looked tentative, like two boxers feeling each other out in the early rounds. Hirving "Chucky" Lozano was out there trying to make things happen, but Mazatlán’s backline, led by Lucas Merolla, was parked like a bus. It was 0-0 at the half, and I’ll be real—some people were starting to check their phones.
The Onni Valakari Show
Then the 62nd minute happened. Mikey Varas, San Diego's coach, decided he’d seen enough of the stalemate. He pulled Chucky Lozano and Luca de la Torre, bringing on Onni Valakari and Anders Dreyer.
Talk about a golden touch.
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Four minutes after stepping onto the pitch, Valakari found himself at the end of a brilliant Dreyer cross. He didn't hesitate. One touch, a left-footed strike, and the ball was in the back of the net. The stadium went absolutely wild.
But he wasn't done. By the 75th minute, Valakari doubled the lead. This time it was David Vazquez providing the service. Valakari’s finish was pure composure—a right-footed shot that left the Mazatlán keeper, Nicolás Benedetti (who was moonlighting in goal after a weird series of events), totally helpless.
Why the Atmosphere Flipped
The match turned into a bit of a mess for Mazatlán after that second goal. Frustration boiled over. Benedetti, who had been vocal all night, eventually saw a straight red card in the 78th minute for an "argument" that looked more like a full-blown meltdown.
Mazatlán had to finish the game with ten men. At that point, the outcome was written in stone. San Diego dominated possession (67% to 33%) and basically played keep-away for the final ten minutes.
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- Final Score: San Diego FC 2, Mazatlán F.C. 0.
- Key Performer: Onni Valakari (2 goals in 12 minutes).
- Attendance: 34,506 (A Snapdragon record for soccer at the time).
Breaking Down the Tactical Gap
If you look at the stats, the gulf in class was surprising. San Diego completed 689 passes. Mazatlán? Only 212. It felt like the Liga MX side just couldn't handle the speed of the transitions once the SDFC substitutes came on.
Mazatlán usually relies on an unpredictable, attacking style, but they were trapped in a low block for most of the night. Fabio Gomes had a couple of half-chances, but CJ Dos Santos—wearing a protective mask that made him look like a certain caped crusader—was a wall in goal.
It's interesting how much these two clubs actually have in common despite being from different leagues. Both are relatively new. Both are trying to carve out an identity in a crowded footballing landscape. Mazatlán moved from Morelia in 2020; San Diego just started their journey.
This game proved that San Diego’s roster depth is no joke. Most expansion teams struggle with fitness and cohesion in their first year, but the chemistry between Valakari and the newcomers like Pedro Soma looked like they’d been playing together for years.
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What This Means for Future Clashes
The rivalry—if we can call it that yet—is just beginning. This was the first ever meeting between the two. While San Diego took the first win, Mazatlán isn't a team that stays down for long. They’ve become one of the most consistent Liga MX representatives in the Leagues Cup over the last few years, usually advancing past the opening phase.
For SDFC fans, this was the "I was there" moment. It validated the hype. It showed that they could go toe-to-toe with established Mexican clubs and come out on top.
Next Steps for Fans and Analysts:
- Keep an eye on Onni Valakari’s minutes in MLS play; his efficiency as a super-sub is currently unmatched in the league.
- Watch for Mazatlán’s defensive adjustments in their next Liga MX outing; the spacing issues Robert Dante Siboldi complained about were glaring.
- Check the 2026 Leagues Cup schedule; these two are likely to be grouped together again given the regional proximity.
- Monitor the health of Beto Herrera, who left the game early with a knee concern that looked pretty serious at the time.
The 2-0 "Dos a Cero" scoreline is always going to sting for a Mexican side playing on U.S. soil. Whether Mazatlán gets their revenge in 2026 or San Diego continues to build their "Fortress Snapdragon," this specific matchup is now officially on the map.