On Saturday, the teams faced off in a tense match that saw San Diego FC initially take the lead. Just 6 minutes into the first half, Luca Bombino found the back of the net, giving San Diego an early 1-0 advantage. However, Minnesota United responded with remarkable determination, turning the match around with a header from Kyle Duncan in the 14th minute and another goal from Kelvin Yeaboah in the 39th, clinching a final score of 2-1.
Kelvin Yeaboah was undoubtedly the standout player of the match, contributing significantly with a goal and two attempts on target. In contrast, San Diego’s Luca Bombino made his impact felt not only by scoring but also by clearing the danger on four occasions.
San Diego FC, led by coach Michael Anthony Varas, lined up in a 4-3-3 formation with Duran Ferree in goal; the defensive line consisted of Oscar Verhoeven, Christopher McVey, Osvald Soe, and Luca Bombino; while Aníbal Godoy, Jeppe Tverskov, and Onni Valakari orchestrated the midfield, and Anders Dreyer, Lewis Morgan, and Bryan Zamble led the attack.
On the other hand, the Minnesota United side, under coach Cameron Knowles, also adopted a 4-3-3 setup with Drake Callender in goal; the defensive quartet included Jefferson Díaz, Morris Duggan, Nicolás Romero, and Anthony Markanich; in midfield were Owen Gene, Joaquín Pereyra, and Nectarios Triantis, while the attacking trio featured Kyle Duncan, Kelvin Yeaboah, and Tomás Chancalay.
The match was officiated by referee Víctor Rivas at Snapdragon Stadium.
In their upcoming fixtures, San Diego FC will travel to face Real Salt Lake, whereas Minnesota will play host to the Portland Timbers.
Substitutions for San Diego FC
52’ 2T – Bryan Zamble was replaced by Marcus Ingvartsen
72’ 2T – Lewis Morgan was substituted for David Vazquez
79’ 2T – Aníbal Godoy and Oscar Verhoeven were replaced by Bryce Duke and William Kumado respectively.
Cards for San Diego FC
11’ 1T – Christopher McVey (Unsporting behavior)
29’ 1T – Oscar Verhoeven (Unsporting behavior)
38’ 2T – Michael Anthony Varas (Verbal abuse towards the referee)
Red card for San Diego FC
0’ 2T – Christopher McVey (Red for two yellow cards)
Substitutions for Minnesota United
67’ 2T – Nicolás Romero was substituted for Devin Padelford and Owen Gene for Wil Trapp
70’ 2T – Jefferson Díaz was replaced by Carlos Harvey
82’ 2T – Kelvin Yeaboah and Joaquín Pereyra were substituted for Mamadou Dieng and Bongokuhle Hlongwane respectively.
Card for Minnesota United
23’ 2T – Joaquín Pereyra (Unsporting behavior)