SDFC bounces back from mistake in 4-2 win that moves them up standings

Anders Dreyer scored a goal in each half and Milan Iloski scored two goals late to rally SDFC to a 4-2 victory over Minnesota United.

With the win, San Diego FC moves into second place in the Western Conference — three points in front of the Portland Timbers and Minnesota United and two behind the front-running Vancouver Whitecaps

Minnesota United (8-4-6) grabbed a 1-0 lead in the 8th minute on an own goal by San Diego defender Christopher McVey.

But San Diego (10-5-3) bounced back quickly, answering with a spectacular goal by Dreyer from near midfield three minutes later to tie it 1-1. It was the seventh goal for Dreyer in his first season in the league.

Minnesota took a 2-1 lead into halftime when Kelvin Yeboah scored with a right-footed shot from the center of the box for his fifth goal this season and his 12th in 26 career appearances.

SDFC drew even on another goal by Dreyer — this time on a penalty kick in the 66th minute. The PK was awarded after a foul on defender Anthony Markanich.

Iloski, who subbed in to begin the second half, scored the go-ahead goal in the 75th minute before adding some insurance two minutes into stoppage.

“So, I knew when I cut back across the grain, it would open the goal up,” he said of the second score. “And, you know, (that) made the finish a lot easier.”

All four of Iloski’s goals have come this season. He has never started in 13 career appearances — 11 this season. Dreyer collected his ninth assist on Iloski’s first goal.

Iloski’s play has “a special quality,” said SDFC head coach Mikey Varas.

“He always finds himself in good positions, and he’s extremely an talented finisher,” Varas said.

CJ dos Santos stopped five shots in goal for San Diego.

Wessel Speel finished with four saves for Minnesota United in his league debut. Minnesota saw its five-match unbeaten run come to an end Saturday.

San Diego returned Saturday after a smashing May, in which the club played seven matches, going 5-1-1. 

Next up, SDFC travels to face the Whitecaps June 25.

Notes:  Forward Marcus Ingvartsen started for the first time since returning from injury against Austin FC on March 31 …  With two goals and an assist, Dreyer became the first player for an expansion club with at least eight goals and eight assists in a debut season since Diego Rossi and Carlos Vela in 2018.