Players attack for the ball at Snapdragon Stadium on Sat. March 15, 2025.
Photo: Nate Tubbs/Prost International

San Diego 1 : 1 Columbus Crew

Californian Max Arfsten put himself into the record books as he scored the first ever MLS goal at Snapdragon Stadium in the twelfth minute. That lead lasted until the 70th minute when Finnish substitute Onni Valakari headed in a deserved equaliser.

The dismissal of Crew’s Malte Amundsen allowed San Diego plenty of second-half possession in a battle between two unbeaten sides. They now both have eight points from four MLS games.

SDFC entered the match unbeaten through their first three matches and fresh off a 3-1 road victory against Real Salt Lake on March 8.

A leader of ‘La Frontera’ support group for SDFC cheers SDFC as the team takes the field at Snapdragon Stadium on Sat. March 15, 2025.
Photo: Nate Tubbs/Prost International

On a mild March evening, Columbus Crew looked composed and professional, and although San Diego had their moments in the first half, the visitors were well worth their interval lead, slid home cooly by Arfsten.

But when Amundsen hauled down Anders Dreyer on the hour, referee Victor Rivas produced an instant red card for denial of a goal scoring opportunity.

Anders Dreyer dribbles in the Columbus box at Snapdragon Stadium on Sat. March 15, 2025.
Photo: Nate Tubbs/Prost International

The man advantage allowed San Diego to dominate possession for the remainder of the game and their reward came from a left wing corner, which Valakari rose to head home.

Patrick Schulte in the Crew goal made a few impressive saves to preserve a point for his side.

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