San Diego FC checked off another box of firsts in their 2025 MLS expansion season.
Midfielder Onni Valakari came off the bench Saturday night to score the club's first-ever goal at their home of Snapdragon Stadium, connecting a towering header off a Luca de la Torre corner kick. The 69th-minute equalizer salvaged a 1-1 draw against the Columbus Crew.
The result improved San Diego's record to 2W-0L-2D, joining St. Louis CITY SC (5W-0L-0D in 2023) as one of only two expansion clubs in MLS history to go undefeated through their first four games of a season.
Mikey Varas' side ended Matchday 4 tied for second place in the Western Conference along with St. Louis and the Colorado Rapids, behind only Vancouver Whitecaps FC. However, a first home win at Snapdragon Stadium still awaits.
Post-match, Valakari and Varas shared the same sentiment: glad to get their first home goal, but frustrated not to snag all three points.
"It's always a nice feeling to score, help the team, if it's by goals, if it's by assists, if it's by a tackle, preventing a goal," said Valakari. "Whatever it takes, I want to help the team. I would've been as happy if someone else had scored, so I think the main feeling is like a little disappointed, dropped two points at home. At home, we want to be a team that consistently gets three points."
Added Varas: "To be honest with you, and I think this is a testament to the work the boys have done, I have no emotions to [the goal] because I'm disappointed that we tied the game. I think if we would've won, I probably would feel a little bit more joy, but this ultimately feels like a disappointment for us."
After their Sunday Night Soccer presented by Continental Tire visit to Austin FC on Matchday 5 (4 pm ET | MLS Season Pass), San Diego return home on March 29 to host California rivals LAFC.
