San Diego FC defeats Toluca 3-2 in first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup
Despite playing most of the match with ten players, San Diego secured a dramatic home victory while the series remains open heading into the return leg in Mexico.
Joel Casillas
3/12/20262 min read
A key clash between MLS and Liga MX
San Diego, March 11 — San Diego FC entered this match unbeaten after three games in Major League Soccer and two previous matches in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, where they eliminated Pumas UNAM.
Their opponent, Deportivo Toluca FC, arrived in excellent form in Liga MX, sitting second in the Clausura standings just one point behind leaders Cruz Azul.
Both teams fielded strong starting lineups, underscoring the importance of the match despite it being only the first leg.
Early penalty and red card change the match
The match took an early turn in the 12th minute when Marcus Ingvartsen committed a dangerous challenge on Marcel Ruiz, raising his leg and striking him in the face.
The referee awarded a penalty and issued a red card, leaving San Diego with ten players.
In the 15th minute, Jesús Gallardo converted the penalty to give Toluca a 1-0 lead.
San Diego fights back with one player down
Despite the numerical disadvantage, San Diego responded in the 31st minute when David Vázquez headed in a cross from Pellegrino to equalize the match 1-1.
Just minutes later, Anders Dreyer created another dangerous chance, showing San Diego’s determination to chase the win.
Before halftime, Marcel Ruiz suffered an injury and was forced to leave the match.
Explosive start to the second half
The second half started dramatically. In the 46th minute, after several rebounds inside the box, David Vázquez scored again to give San Diego a 2-1 lead.
The pressure continued, and in the 52nd minute, Anders Dreyer scored a spectacular goal to make it 3-1.
Shortly after, Vázquez left the field in the 60th minute to a standing ovation for his performance.
Toluca pulls one back late
The match drew an impressive 20,652 fans, highlighting the growing support for San Diego FC.
In the 73rd minute, Alexis Vega entered the match as he continues working his way back to full fitness.
Another controversial moment came in the 84th minute when Kwadwo Duah handled the ball to prevent a goal. After a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty and sent him off.
In the 89th minute, Hielinho converted the penalty to cut the deficit to 3-2.
The series remains open
The match ended 3-2 in favor of San Diego FC, in a game filled with intensity, controversial calls, and dramatic moments.
The series will now be decided in Mexico, where Toluca will try to overturn the deficit while San Diego looks to secure another historic qualification.