Dreyer's Late Penalty and Dos Santos' Clean Sheet Beat LAFC 1-0
Source: ABC News Sports. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
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On a night when LAFC's high-powered attack finally met its match, San Diego FC delivered a gritty road performance that ended with a dramatic 1-0 victory. The winning moment arrived in the 89th minute when Anders Dreyer slotted home a penalty kick, converting after a video review determined that LAFC defender Ryan Porteous had handled the ball inside the area.
Dreyer's calm finish from the spot was his eighth goal of the season and the 27th of his 54-match MLS career. The Danish midfielder, known for his lethal left foot, showed no sign of nerves as he sent goalkeeper Hugo Lloris the wrong way. The goal capped a tense second half in which both teams had chances but neither could break through until the late intervention.
However, Dreyer's night ended on a sour note. In the seventh minute of stoppage time, he was shown a red card, which will trigger an automatic suspension for San Diego's next match. The exact nature of the offense was not immediately detailed, but the dismissal deprived San Diego of their leading scorer for the upcoming fixture.
San Diego's goalkeeper CJ dos Santos was the other pillar of the victory. He finished with three saves, earning his first shutout in six starts this season. Last year, the 25-year-old posted 10 clean sheets in 30 starts, and this performance signaled a return to that reliable form. Dos Santos was particularly sharp in the second half, making a crucial stop on a curling effort from LAFC's Mateusz Bogusz and later denying a close-range header from Denis Bouanga.
On the opposite end, LAFC's Hugo Lloris faced only one shot on target, but it was the one that mattered most. The French veteran had little to do until the penalty, as San Diego's defense held firm. LAFC entered the match riding a wave of offensive momentum, having scored 11 goals in their previous four games. But San Diego's compact defensive shape, anchored by center-backs Jeppe Tverskov and Hamady Diop, frustrated the hosts throughout the night.
One of the biggest storylines coming into the match was Son Heung-min's scoring streak. The South Korean star had found the net in four consecutive matches, but he was kept quiet by San Diego's disciplined marking. Son managed only two shots, neither on target, and was substituted in the 78th minute as LAFC chased the game.
LAFC's best chance came in the first half when a corner kick fell to Porteous at the back post, but his volley sailed over the bar. In the second half, Timothy Tillman forced a sharp save from dos Santos with a low drive from 25 yards. But the home side could not find the breakthrough, and their frustration boiled over after the penalty decision.
San Diego's victory was a measure of revenge for the teams' first meeting in April, when LAFC rallied from a 2-0 deficit to earn a 2-2 draw in San Diego. This time, the visitors held on to claim all three points.
With the result, San Diego improved to 6-7-6, while LAFC dropped to 10-6-4. Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with San Diego traveling to face the Portland Timbers and LAFC heading to the Colorado Rapids.
Article commentary
This match offered a fascinating contrast in trajectories. LAFC came in as one of the league's hottest teams, having piled up 11 goals in their previous four outings, while San Diego had been struggling for consistency, sitting below the playoff line. Yet the final scoreline underscores a fundamental truth in MLS: even the most potent attacks can be neutralized by a disciplined defense and a moment of individual brilliance. San Diego's game plan was clear from the opening whistle: absorb pressure, stay compact, and rely on set pieces or counterattacks. It was a conservative approach, but one that proved effective against a LAFC side that thrives on space and transition. The visitors' backline, well-organized under pressure, limited LAFC's ability to play through the middle. The result was a game with few clear-cut chances, but high drama at the end. The penalty decision will be debated. Ryan Porteous's handball was not intentional, but under the current interpretation, any arm that makes the body unnaturally bigger can be penalized. The video review officials determined that his arm was away from his body, and the ball struck it. While LAFC fans will argue it was harsh, the call was consistent with how such incidents have been adjudicated this season. Dreyer's composure from the spot was exemplary, but his red card in stoppage time raises questions about discipline. San Diego will miss him in their next match, and the team's depth in attack will be tested. CJ dos Santos's performance was a reminder of why he was considered one of the league's top young goalkeepers last season. After a slow start to this campaign, he finally looked like the shot-stopper who kept 10 clean sheets in 2025. His positioning and handling were assured, and he commanded his area well. If San Diego is to make a playoff push, they will need this version of dos Santos consistently. For LAFC, the loss halts their momentum but is not a disaster. They remain in a strong position in the standings. However, the inability to break down a low block is a recurring issue that coach Steve Cherundolo must address. Son Heung-min's streak ended, but he remains a dangerous weapon. The bigger concern is the reliance on individual moments rather than collective creativity. Against a team like San Diego, which packed the box, LAFC lacked the incisive passing or movement to unlock the defense. Looking ahead, both teams face quick turnarounds. San Diego's trip to Portland will be challenging without Dreyer, while LAFC will look to bounce back in Colorado. The Western Conference race remains tight, and this result could be a turning point for San Diego's season if they build on it. For LAFC, it serves as a reminder that no game is a given in MLS, and even the best attacks can be silenced by a well-organized opponent.