San Diego FC eliminated after 4-0 loss to Toluca in Concacaf Champions Cup

Toluca takes control at home

Toluca, March 18 — San Diego FC was eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions Cup after suffering a 4-0 loss to Deportivo Toluca FC in the second leg of the Round of 16 at the Estadio Nemesio Diez.

San Diego entered the match with a 3-2 advantage from the first leg but faced a difficult challenge playing at altitude in one of Mexico’s toughest venues.

Key absences impact San Diego

San Diego FC was forced to adjust its lineup due to the suspensions of Kwadwo Duah and Marcus Ingvartsen, both sent off in the first leg.

Head coach Mikey Varas had to reshuffle his squad, which affected the team’s balance.

Early pressure from Toluca

Toluca came out aggressively, looking to equalize the aggregate score early.

In the 22nd minute, Bruno Méndez found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review.

San Diego created a brief threat in the 29th minute through Pellegrino, but the shot narrowly missed the target.

A costly mistake gives Toluca the lead

The turning point came in the 42nd minute.

Goalkeeper Duran Ferree attempted to play out from the back but lost possession under pressure.

After a scramble in the box, Jesús Angulo scored to make it 1-0, putting Toluca ahead on aggregate.

Toluca dominates the second half

Toluca continued to control the match after halftime.

In the 56th minute, Paulinho scored a well-taken goal to extend the lead to 2-0.

Moments later, another attacking sequence—confirmed by VAR—resulted in a third goal, making it 3-0 and effectively ending the contest.

Red card and late goal seal elimination

San Diego showed frustration as the match progressed.

In the 85th minute, Christopher McVey was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.

In stoppage time, Jesús Gallardo added a fourth goal to complete the 4-0 victory.

Focus shifts back to MLS

With the elimination, San Diego FC will now turn its full attention to Major League Soccer.

They will return to California to prepare for their next match against Real Salt Lake.

The series highlighted valuable lessons for the team, particularly in handling difficult away environments and competing against top Liga MX sides.