San Diego FC beat LA Galaxy 3-1 in MLS, using a direct 4-3-3 approach to turn less possession into the clearer chances. The home side had only 44.0% of the ball against Galaxy’s 56.0%, yet produced 2.41 xG from 20 shots and seven efforts on target, compared with 0.91 xG from 17 shots for the visitors. Amahl Pellegrino scored for San Diego, while Hirving Lozano registered LA Galaxy’s goal, but the underlying numbers reflected the hosts’ greater threat in decisive areas. San Diego’s goalkeeper also made a significant contribution, facing seven shots on target and recording an 85.71% save percentage, worth 0.74 goals saved above expected. At the other end, LA Galaxy’s goalkeeper saved 57.14% of the seven shots on target he faced and conceded three times from 2.79 post-shot xG. Tori Penso oversaw a match in which San Diego were more efficient despite ceding territorial control. The win strengthens San Diego’s MLS form.