How San Diego FC's Groundbreaking Rookie Campaign Stacks Up Against MLS Expansion Rivals

San Diego FC has established itself as the most accomplished first-year franchise in MLS regular season history, accumulating 60 points following a 4–2 victory against Houston Dynamo in their second-to-last match.

This triumph represented San Diego's 18th victory across 33 matches, and the team will have an opportunity to further extend this milestone when they face Portland Timbers in their concluding regular season fixture before turning attention to the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. 

LAFC had previously owned this distinction with 57 points during their inaugural campaign in 2018.

Anders Dreyer, the franchise's premier Designated Player, elevated his statistics to 18 goals and 17 assists for the season with a two-goal performance in this historic match, while Mexican sensation Hirving "Chucky" Lozano sits at nine goals and 10 assists with one game left in the campaign. 

Moving into Decision Day, they will presumably maintain the advantage in securing the Western Conference's top position, and might become only the second franchise to capture MLS Cup during their inaugural season. 

With this milestone achieved, where does their campaign stand among other expansion efforts? Sports Illustrated examines the finest debut seasons for MLS franchises.