San Diego FC loss 4-3 against Houston Dynamo

July 7, 2025 — MLS– (Foto: San Diego FC)

San Diego FC returned to Snapdragon Stadium after a month away, but their momentum came to a frustrating stop in a dramatic 4–3 loss to Houston Dynamo. In front of 28,321 fans, it was only the club’s second home defeat of the season and the end of a four-match unbeaten run.

Milan Iloski opened the scoring in the 25th minute, finishing from close range after a headed pass by Onni Valakari. Houston quickly responded. Lawrence Ennali equalized in the 36th minute on his first MLS start, and Franco Escobar gave Houston a 2–1 lead just before halftime with a curling shot from outside the box.

San Diego fought back in the second half. Luca Bombino scored a volley in the 54th minute after a cross from Jeppe Tverskov, and Onni Valakari scored his fourth goal of the season in the 67th, redirecting a shot by Anders Dreyer to make it 3–2.

But the Dynamo found their rhythm late. Ezequiel Ponce scored a penalty in the 87th minute and then netted the winner in the 100th minute with a low, powerful strike into the corner, stunning the Snapdragon crowd.

Statistically, San Diego had 59% possession, completed more passes, and took 14 shots compared to Houston’s 7. But defensive errors and a lack of control in the final stretch cost them the result. Houston committed 15 fouls to San Diego’s 8 and made the most of their limited chances.

The result knocks San Diego out of the top four in the Western Conference, while Houston jumps into playoff contention. Despite the fight and energy shown, conceding twice in the final minutes proved too much to overcome.