San Diego FC Falls 3-1 in Debut at Preseason Coachella Valley Invitational

San Diego FC fell to New York City FC 3-1 at the Coachella Valley Invitational in Indio Saturday in the club’s first preseason match before the public. 

It was also the first time the expansion Major League Soccer club has faced other MLS competition.

Defender Paddy McNair opened the scoring in the 19th minute, heading home a cross from winger Hirving “Chucky” Lozano. In Designated Player Anders Dreyer’s first preseason minutes with the team, he also recorded an assist on McNair’s goal.

New York’s Alonso Martínez, assisted by Tayvon Gray, tied it up in the 28th minute and Mounsef Bakrar, with an assist from Alonso Martínez, put his club ahead 11 minutes later. Alonso Martínez added a cushion with a goal in the 65th minute.

SDFC midfielder Aníbal Godoy would have tied the match 2-2 after he hit the ball into the back of the net in the 59th minute, but the goal was disallowed.

Head coach Mikey Varas said the match gave him “clarity” about the work ahead for SDFC. He was pleased, though, by the connection being established by Lozano and Dreyer, leading to the team’s lone goal.

“I think that’s going to be massive in our league,” he said.

SDFC will next face the Portland Timbers on Wednesday as the Coachella Valley Invitational continues.

The club begins the regular season on Feb. 23 on the road in Los Angeles, with its first home game at Snapdragon Stadium on March 1.