San Diego FC snatched a dramatic 1-0 MLS victory over LAFC at BMO Stadium on Saturday night, with Anders Dreyer converting an 89th-minute penalty to settle a fiercely contested Southern California fixture.

For 88 minutes, the match appeared destined to finish scoreless. LAFC had the greater shot volume, attempting 15 efforts to San Diego’s nine, while also earning nine corners. But the visitors controlled more of the ball with 59.8 percent possession and stayed patient through a physical, increasingly tense contest.

The first half produced no goals, though it carried plenty of edge. San Diego’s Alejandro Alvarado Jr. was booked in the 29th minute, and the match remained finely balanced at 0-0 through the interval.

LAFC looked to raise the tempo after the break, but San Diego held their shape and made the hosts work for every opening. Eddie Segura was cautioned in the 62nd minute, while San Diego substitute Onni Valakari saw yellow in the 75th. Further bookings for LAFC’s Mark Delgado in the 80th minute and Mathieu Choinière in the 84th reflected the mounting pressure as both sides chased a breakthrough.

It arrived from the penalty spot in the 89th minute. Anders Dreyer stepped up and scored the decisive penalty in the 89th minute, giving San Diego FC the lead at the latest possible stage of regulation.

There was still late drama in eight minutes of added time. Dreyer was booked in the 90th minute before being sent off in the sixth minute of stoppage time, leaving San Diego to see out the final moments with 10 men. LAFC’s Son Heung-Min was also shown a yellow card in the closing seconds, but the hosts could not find a response.

San Diego FC’s late resilience delivered all three points, while LAFC were left to rue a night in which their territorial pressure and set-piece opportunities did not produce a goal.

Key match details

  • Final score: LAFC 0-1 San Diego FC
  • Goal: Anders Dreyer 89′ (penalty)
  • Venue: BMO Stadium, Los Angeles
  • Half-time: LAFC 0-0 San Diego FC
  • Possession: LAFC 40.2% – 59.8% San Diego FC
  • Shots: LAFC 15 – 9 San Diego FC
  • Shots on target: LAFC 3 – 2 San Diego FC