San Diego FC rallied to defeat Minnesota United 4-2 on Saturday night, overcoming an early deficit and a strong performance from the home side. Anders Dreyer and Milan Iloski both scored twice, leading the expansion team to a memorable victory and ending Minnesota's five-match unbeaten streak.
The game at Allianz Field started with a bang, as Minnesota United took the lead in the 8th minute due to an own goal by San Diego defender Christopher McVey. However, San Diego responded quickly, with Anders Dreyer scoring a stunning goal from near midfield just three minutes later, leveling the score at 1-1. Dreyer, a Danish midfielder, spotted Minnesota's goalkeeper Wessel Speel off his line and unleashed a long-range shot that sailed over the keeper's head and into the net.
Minnesota United regained the lead in the 37th minute when Kelvin Yeboah scored his fifth goal of the season, giving the Loons a 2-1 advantage going into halftime. However, San Diego came out strong in the second half, determined to turn the game around.
In the 66th minute, San Diego was awarded a penalty kick after a foul on Minnesota United defender Anthony Markanich. Anders Dreyer stepped up to take the penalty and calmly converted, tying the game at 2-2. It was Dreyer's second goal of the night and his seventh of the season.
Milan Iloski, who came on as a substitute at the beginning of the second half, then put San Diego ahead in the 75th minute, scoring his first of two goals. Iloski's initial goal came off a perfect cross from Dreyer, which he headed home into the net. He then sealed the victory with another goal in stoppage time, making the final score 4-2. This marked Iloski's fourth goal of the season.
San Diego's goalkeeper, CJ dos Santos, made five saves to help secure the win, while Minnesota United's Wessel Speel, making his league debut, finished with four saves.
Dreyer's performance was particularly noteworthy, as he not only scored two goals but also assisted on Iloski's first goal. With this performance, Dreyer has eight goals and nine assists in his first season in the league.
The victory was a significant one for San Diego FC, who are currently having a strong inaugural season. The team's record now stands at 10 wins, 5 losses, and 3 draws. Minnesota United, on the other hand, fell to 8 wins, 4 losses, and 6 draws.
The game was a thrilling affair with a total of six goals, an own goal, and a stunning strike from midfield. Both goalkeepers had moments they would rather forget, but in the end, it was San Diego's Dreyer and Iloski who stole the show with their goal-scoring exploits.