Historic MLS Team Shatters Records to Clinch First Playoff Spot
Few anticipated the remarkable success San Diego FC would achieve when they assembled their inaugural squad, despite featuring superstar Hirving Lozano as their historic first signing.
Following a goalless stalemate with the Portland Timbers on Saturday evening, the newest MLS franchise secured their place in the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, marking them as the initial team to claim one of the 18 coveted postseason berths.
"When we deliver that level of performance consistently, our chances of victory outweigh defeat, and that defines our approach," head coach Mikey Varas shared with media after the match. "We cannot allow our frustration and competitive drive to overshadow the bigger achievement - being the league's first team to earn playoff qualification."
Though the result fell short of expectations for a squad loaded with exceptional offensive talent, it elevated the club to 52 points while preserving a three-point advantage atop the Western Conference standings.
The outcome also kept them competitive in the Supporters' Shield chase, trailing the Philadelphia Union by merely one point after their opponents reached 54 points with a commanding 4-0 victory over Chicago Fire FC.
"We've achieved the fastest playoff qualification for any expansion franchise, reflecting our daily commitment from the very beginning until now," Varas continued. "[It's about] maintaining focus on improvement while also acknowledging the comprehensive effort we've invested."
From their February launch, San Diego has crafted a record-breaking campaign. Despite injury challenges, Lozano has fulfilled expectations with eight goals and six assists, while Danish attacking midfielder Anders Dreyer has accumulated 13 goals and 15 assists to top MLS in combined contributions, with only Inter Miami's Lionel Messi approaching his production level.
Additional Records Within Reach for San Diego FC
With six matches left in the regular campaign, San Diego FC are pursuing additional expansion franchise milestones, aiming to become the inaugural debut team to capture the Supporters' Shield.
Furthermore, they appear positioned to surpass LAFC's 2018 benchmark of 57 points for most by a first-year club.
LAFC—whom San Diego faces next week for Son Heung-min's Black and Gold introduction—also holds the record as the fastest Shield winner in their sophomore year, a distinction the Chrome and Azul hope to surpass by season's conclusion on Decision Day.
Varas concluded: "The question becomes what's next? What are our aspirations? Everyone in that dressing room desires to achieve significantly more."
Leading up to Decision Day's rematch against the Timbers, San Diego FC must maintain their position through contests with LAFC, Western Conference runner-up Minnesota United, Atlanta United, the San Jose Earthquakes, and the Houston Dynamo.
Could San Diego FC become the second expansion franchise to claim MLS Cup? Their surprising journey continues, with more history seemingly within reach.