San Diego FC secured an exhilarating 5-3 victory against Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Wednesday evening at their home ground, in a thrilling encounter that marked Week 18 of the MLS season.
The standout performer of the match was undoubtedly Milan Iloski, who netted four goals, showcasing his incredible skills and determination. Iloski found the net in the 34th, 36th, and 43rd minutes of the first half, and added another early in the second half at the 46th minute. His first goal was a stunning shot that rattled the left post before finding the back of the net, instantly boosting the spirits of the home crowd.
San Diego FC also saw contributions from Édier Ocampo, who scored at the 42nd minute, Mathías Laborda with a goal in the 65th minute, and Antoine Coupland, who added to the tally just after the halftime break.
Vancouver’s Tomás Ángel managed to register a goal in the second half at the 89th minute, but it was not enough to change the outcome of the match. The Whitecaps had their chances, including a close shot from Daniel Rios that hit the post and was denied by San Diego’s defense.
Throughout the match, Iloski not only scored four goals but also tested the opposing goalkeeper, recording a total of nine shots on target, cementing his position as the player of the match. Anders Dreyer also made a significant impact, contributing with three key passes.
Vancouver’s head coach Jesper Sorensen opted for a 4-3-3 formation, placing Yohei Takaoka in goal, backed by a defensive line consisting of Édier Ocampo, Tristan Blackmon, Ranko Veselinovic, and Tate Johnson. The midfield trio included Andrés Cubas, Ralph Priso, and Jeevan Badwal, while the attack featured Pedro Vite, Daniel Rios, and Emmanuel Sabbi.
On the other hand, San Diego FC, managed by Michael Anthony Varas, also deployed a 4-3-3 formation with Carlos dos Santos in goal, and a defensive lineup of Oscar Verhoeven, Christopher McVey, Ian Pilcher, and Luca Bombino. The midfield was anchored by Onni Valakari, Alejandro Alvarado Jr., and Jeppe Tverskov, while Milan Iloski led the attack alongside Anders Dreyer and Alex Mighten.
Ramy Touchan officiated the match, which was filled with intense action and notable performances from both sides.
Looking ahead, Vancouver Whitecaps FC will visit LA Galaxy in their next match, while San Diego FC is set to host Houston afterwards.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC Substitutions
45’ 2T – Ralph Priso out, Mathías Laborda in
70’ 2T – Emmanuel Sabbi out, Jean-Claude Ngando in; Alejandro Alvarado Jr. out, Emmanuel Boateng in
86’ 2T – Andrés Cubas out, Antoine Coupland in
91’ 2T – Édier Ocampo out, Damir Kreilach in
Yellow Cards for Vancouver Whitecaps FC:
6’ 2T Mathías Laborda (Unsporting Behavior); 35’ 2T Andrés Cubas (Unsporting Behavior)
San Diego FC Substitutions
78’ 2T – Alex Mighten out, Tomás Ángel in
87’ 2T – Milan Iloski out, Manu Duah in
Yellow Cards for San Diego FC:
22’ 1T Christopher McVey (Unsporting Behavior); 49’ 1T Alejandro Alvarado Jr. (Unsporting Behavior)