By Joel Casillas

San Diego FC beat Puebla 3-2 but are eliminated from the Leagues Cup

San Diego - With the Leagues Cup group stage coming to an end, San Diego FC hosted Puebla knowing they needed a big win to keep their tournament hopes alive.

As Mikey Varas had indicated before the match, San Diego made several rotations, including Duran Ferree starting in goal. Bryan Zamble, who scored against Xolos, also returned to the starting lineup.

San Diego made the perfect start. In the third minute, Osvald Soe scored from a set piece to give the home side a 1-0 lead and raise hopes of the necessary blowout.

Puebla responded in the 24th minute, when Velasco capitalized on a defensive mistake to level the match at 1-1.

The game then slowed down, with both teams struggling to create clear chances. San Diego needed more goals and increased the pressure after halftime.

The breakthrough finally came in the 75th minute, when David Vázquez headed home to put San Diego back in front. Four minutes later, a poor clearance allowed Dagur Thórhallsson to finish and make it 3-1.

San Diego still needed another goal to have a realistic chance of advancing. In the 82nd minute, Mighten came close, but his effort went just over the crossbar.

Puebla responded in the 86th minute, when Mustre took advantage of another defensive mistake to make it 3-2 and effectively end San Diego's hopes of qualifying.

The final whistle confirmed that San Diego FC were eliminated from the Leagues Cup, unable to achieve the goal difference required to advance.

Despite the elimination, San Diego finished its tournament campaign with a victory and can now turn its attention back to MLS play.

The team's next match will be a trip to BMO Stadium to face LAFC, providing another opportunity to regain momentum after a difficult Leagues Cup campaign.