Milan Iloski Shatters MLS Records as San Diego Storms to Western Conference Top
In a clash between the top contenders of the MLS Western Conference, San Diego FC's Milan Iloski was determined to seize every opportunity.
Despite ongoing debates about the striker position for this successful expansion team, the 25-year-old American made his mark in MLS history during his inaugural start on Wednesday evening, netting four goals in a commanding 5–3 victory against Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
This triumph elevated San Diego to the summit of the Western Conference, overtaking the Whitecaps, while Iloski achieved a record-breaking feat with a hat-trick completed in just nine minutes, followed by his fourth goal within 12 minutes – establishing the quickest four-goal sequence in MLS history.
"It feels incredible, naturally. I maintain extremely high expectations for myself. This has always been my philosophy, and it's what I demand from myself," he shared with media following the game. "I'm surrounded by exceptional teammates...our entire squad and playing style create perfect conditions for a forward like myself."
Iloski's Remarkable Three-Game Streak
Simultaneously, he joined an exclusive group as only the 20th player in MLS history to net four goals in one match and the third to accomplish this feat this season, alongside Whitecaps' Brian White, who was absent Wednesday due to international commitments – and Nashville SC's Sam Surridge, who netted a hat-trick in their 3–2 triumph over New England Revolution.
What makes this streak even more remarkable is that Iloski's previous 93 minutes of MLS action have produced seven goals total, following his two-goal performance from the 75th minute against Austin FC, plus a 92nd-minute strike versus Minnesota United.
Though Iloski cannot sustain this scoring pace indefinitely, his current form may influence San Diego FC's transfer window decisions regarding whether they need to strengthen the striker role or if they already possess the answer within their current squad.
Looking beyond future considerations, San Diego's situation couldn't be more positive. Even without crucial players including midfielder Luca de la Torre, center-back Paddy McNair, and winger Hirving "Chucky" Lozano, head coach Mikey Varas' squad overwhelmed Vancouver, propelling them to first place for the first time.
This accomplishment made them the first expansion franchise since St. Louis CITY SC in 2023 to reach such heights. However, their squad construction and tactical approach appear far more sustainable than St. Louis's debut season, considering their elite talent and well-balanced starting eleven.
San Diego FC Celebrates All-Star Recognition and Budget Bargains
Both San Diego and the Whitecaps had significant representation before kickoff, with the teams combining for seven MLS All-Star selections – four from Vancouver and three from San Diego.
However, it was San Diego's stars who delivered, particularly Anders Dreyer, as the Danish winger recorded three assists, elevating his season statistics to 12 assists and eight goals, topping the league in combined goal contributions.
Despite his outstanding debut MLS campaign performance that surpasses players like Lionel Messi, Christian Benteke, Surridge and other notable performers, his compensation is significantly lower, a detail highlighted when the MLS Players' Association published player salaries on Wednesday.
Based on the MLSPA data, Dreyer receives $2,434,314 annually, placing him as the 10th highest-paid newcomer and 40th highest-earning player league-wide.
To put this in perspective, this translates to $121,715.70 per goal contribution for Dreyer, making him among the league's best value signings, while Iloski, earning $156,000.00, now has nine goals, valuing each at $17,333.33.
"He's an exceptional talent. He consistently identifies the perfect positioning," Varas commented about Dreyer. "He's unselfish, so even when he could shoot, he's always prepared to make an additional pass to create a better opportunity.
"He exemplifies our team identity, because he works tirelessly and contributes constantly, while possessing incredible skill and exceptional ability."
With 15 games left to play, San Diego's conference leadership position remains far from guaranteed. Nevertheless, Wednesday represented another chapter in their meteoric ascent, as they pursue even loftier ambitions with the fall season and MLS Cup Playoffs approaching.
"I've never possessed a crystal ball throughout my career, and I won't begin now, so we'll continue taking things one step at a time as we always do," Varas concluded.
"It's about building consistent performances upon performances both home and away [throughout the remaining season], training with proper focus, and ensuring we maintain squad depth so everyone stays prepared."