SAN DIEGO — In soccer, taking risks isn’t suitable for everyone; a single goal can mean the difference between success and defeat.
Globally, many teams are specifically designed to minimize risks. Tactical strategists often opt for caution, knowing that a pragmatic approach tends to yield results with safer decisions. Given soccer’s unpredictable nature, clubs frequently stabilize uncertainty by relying on established figures in management and coaching roles.
However, San Diego FC, the latest expansion team in MLS, is charting a different course.
“When we entered this league, we conducted extensive analysis. There are various strategies to win in football, and we questioned, ‘Can we find a different way to succeed?'” Athletic Director Tyler Heaps shared with ESPN. “We recognized the substantial risk involved.”
Before San Diego’s inaugural season earlier this year, doubts were prevalent among MLS officials.
While Heaps, the league’s youngest sporting director at age 33, and new head coach Mikey Vallas received commendations for their appointments, concerns lingered regarding their immediate impact. Experts predicted the team would finish last in the Western Conference due to its adventurous yet risky gameplay, which relied heavily on a less experienced roster.
The general sentiment among cautious critics? The ambitious newcomer had a lot to prove.
Fast forward a few months, and San Diego embraces challenges, now just one win away from the MLS Cup.
After their intense 1-0 victory against Minnesota United in the Western Conference semifinals, the uplifting song “All the Small Things” by Blink-182 filled Snapdragon Stadium. While it brought nostalgia to local fans, it also symbolized the team’s ability to get the finer details right amid their expansion journey.
“It all begins with a vision of who you aspire to be,” Vallas stated to ESPN. “Embracing big goals is tough, but having unwavering faith is crucial. The path is rarely straightforward, filled with highs and lows.”
Throughout 2025, SDFC has remained committed to its style of play. Their approach draws opponents in, creating opportunities to regain possession and efficiently advance the ball. In the attacking half, they strategically push players forward, led by the dynamic MVP finalist Anders Dreyer and Mexican talent Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, although this strategy also opens them up to counterattacks.
This commitment has led to some anxious moments in their debut season, including when they faced potential elimination on Monday.
After a scoreless opening half against a defensive Minnesota, defender Ian Pilcher executed a crucial clearance in the 47th minute. Just a minute later, while San Diego attempted to maintain possession, Minnesota nearly capitalized with a threatening shot that narrowly missed.
Defender Christopher McVay explained, “I love having the ball and building from the back… Despite mistakes, we stick to our style. Sometimes things don’t go perfectly, but we remain committed.”
San Diego’s philosophy also aligns with Right to Dream, a global academy grounded in Ghana, which has expanded to Denmark, Egypt, and now San Diego as part of the club’s ownership. Right to Dream emphasizes player development using a similar approach to that of Vallas and his team.
Heaps, who previously worked in recruitment and analytics for AS Monaco, US Soccer, and within Right to Dream, has been pivotal behind the scenes. Inspired by the movie “Moneyball,” he switched to a math major, driven by his aspirations to work in sports.
“That’s when I pivoted my studies to mathematics, as I excelled at it,” Heaps recounted, noting he was bartending over a decade ago. “I aimed to secure a role related to sports.”
Heaps’ roster, blending underrated players, promising prospects, and dependable veterans, has consistently shocked other MLS teams. Following a strong opening 2-0 win against last year’s champions, San Diego topped the Western Conference in 2025, while also setting MLS records for most points (63) and wins (19) in a single season for an expansion team.
In the playoffs, the team’s defensive lineup averaged just 22 years old, effectively nurturing their younger talent and deepening their squad with each match.
“We have players dedicated to our style and winning, allowing us to cultivate a healthy competitive culture,” Vallas asserted.
“Our locker room is fantastic,” McVay added. “That’s a secret to our success.”
This balanced strategy underscores SDFC’s focus on teamwork over individual recognition. A statement prominently displayed at their training facility reads, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Recently, this philosophy was tested when Lozano, the franchise’s star, was suspended for two games after an incident in the locker room, which included their inaugural playoff match against the Portland Timbers.
Despite his absence, San Diego triumphed in both matches, winning 4-0 and 2-1.
Lozano publicly apologized for his actions, making a notable return in November, scoring a goal and providing an assist in the playoff series opener against Portland. Following his goal, he celebrated by kissing the San Diego badge.
“It’s essential to maintain clarity in what you want to become and consistently adhere to it,” Vallas remarked regarding Lozano’s situation. “This is crucial during both the ups and downs.”
Though Lozano has played in the final three games, the loudest cheers from the crowd on Monday were for another key player.
As the second half of the Western Conference semifinals approached its climax, it seemed inevitable that the game would end in a stalemate, extending to overtime and possibly a shootout. However, that changed dramatically with Dreyer’s introduction in the 72nd minute.
After receiving a clever backheel assist from Corey Baird, Dreyer seized the opportunity, scoring with a close-range strike that ignited the loudest celebration of 2025 at Snapdragon Stadium. The intensity of the crowd was palpable, creating an electric atmosphere.
That single goal was all San Diego required to seal the victory.
With this win, San Diego advanced to the Western Conference Finals against the Vancouver Whitecaps, bringing them one match closer to the championship in their inaugural season.
“This season has been great, but we desire more,” captain Jeppe Tverskov stated post-match. “Sometimes, you just feel there’s something special within the team. Right now, we’re riding that wave and feeling it all.”
Regardless of the outcome against Vancouver or in the finals, San Diego’s bold strategy has paid off. By focusing on the details, they could set a groundbreaking precedent for MLS, especially regarding player development.
Ultimately, the leadership understands what it takes going forward. The plan has remained unchanged since the beginning.
“How can we be sure this isn’t just luck? And how can we sustain this momentum?” Heaps pondered. “By embracing bigger risks.”
Fan Take: This story is crucial for soccer fans as it highlights how San Diego FC’s bold strategy is reshaping the expectations for expansion teams in MLS. Their success could pave the way for more innovative approaches in player development and team management across the league, potentially elevating the overall competition.
