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SDFC and LAFC set to begin SoCal rivalry matchup on Saturday night

San Diego FC players argue with a referee after a play. Photo: Olivia Vargo/Prost International

A new rivalry will officially arise come Saturday night when San Diego FC play the Los Angeles FC at Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. PT.

San Diego and Los Angeles have a long history of sports rivalries. The San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers of the MLB have had a rivalry since their team’s respective origins. There’s also a history of San Diego teams leaving San Diego for Los Angeles in pursuit of better marketing and facilities.

The Los Angeles Clippers of the NBA and the Los Angeles Chargers of the NFL originated in San Diego.

This is the first-ever matchup between the two clubs. SDFC (2-2-1, 8 points) is fifth in the MLS standings five games into the season. They lost their last match last Sunday on the road against Austin FC at Q2 Stadium 2-1.

LAFC (3-2-0, 9 points) is third in the standings. They are coming off a 2-0 road victory against Sporting Kansas City FC at Children’s Mercy Park last Saturday.

SDFC forward Chucky Lozano will be available off the bench after sustaining a hamstring injury in SDFC’s home opener on March 1. Lozano, who has played in the Olympics and World Cup for Mexico’s national team, is expected to be a key contributor this season.

SDFC has a young roster, which is expected because this is the club’s inaugural season. They have ten players aged 22 or younger.

26-year-old midfielder Andres Dreyer has emerged as a key contributor for San Diego in Lozano’s absence. He’s scored in both of San Diego’s wins this season (LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake FC), including a two-goal performance in the opener. The Dane has a total of three goals in five matches.

LAFC has had a balanced scoring attack with five players scoring through five games. They are led by 19-year-old forward David Martínez. Martínez emerged as one of MLS’s top prospects last season and he has followed the momentum from last season, leading Los Angeles with two goals so far.

LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo will coach in San Diego for the first time in his career, having spent his childhood there.

He grew up in Rancho Peñasquitos and graduated from Mt. Carmel High School. He also played for the La Jolla Nomads club team, winning the California state championship six times.