MLS: SDFC Stumbles in Houston as Goal Drought and Discipline Issues Continue

Staff Writer
1 day ago
2 min read

NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com

HOUSTON, TX — San Diego FC (SDFC) endured a frustrating night at Shell Energy Stadium on Wednesday, falling 1-0 to the Houston Dynamo. A first-half strike from Ibrahim Aliyu was enough to condemn San Diego to its fourth consecutive MLS regular season loss and extend the club’s winless streak to six matches.

Despite dominating possession (65%) and out-passing the home side 804 to 301, SDFC was unable to find a clinical edge in the final third, recording only one shot on target throughout the 90 minutes.

Discipline Problems Persist

The match ended in chaos as both teams were reduced to 10 men. SDFC’s discipline once again became a focal point when forward Amahl Pellegrino was shown a straight red card in the 79th minute. This marks a staggering seven red cards in the last eight matches for SDFC across all competitions. Houston’s Ondřej Lingr was also ejected in stoppage time following a confrontation with Ian Pilcher.

Aliyu Provides the Difference

The match’s lone goal arrived in the 35th minute. Houston’s Ondřej Lingr orchestrated a series of passes down the right flank before finding Ibrahim Aliyu inside the penalty area. Aliyu composed himself and sent a right-footed shot past SDFC goalkeeper Duran Ferree to give the Dynamo a lead they would not relinquish.

Coach Mikey Varas: "A Step in the Right Direction"

Despite the result, SDFC Head Coach Mikey Varas found silver linings in the team's structural stability.

"I think we played a very mature game, a very stable game. We dominated a lot of the game away from home on two days' rest," Varas said postgame. "They took the chance that they got. This is football... the silver lining is that we’re starting to play better, we’re getting more players back, and the group is very hungry to get back to our best."

Roster Notes and Returns

Return of Alvarado Jr.: Midfielder Alejandro Alvarado Jr. made his emotional return to the pitch in stoppage time. It was his first appearance since June 2025 after missing the remainder of last season with a severe injury.
Defensive Reappearance: Ian Pilcher returned to action after missing five matches across all competitions, coming on as a substitute in the 78th minute.
Iron Men: Onni Valakari and Anders Dreyer remain the only SDFC players to feature in all 48 competitive matches in club history.

Match Statistics

Category	Houston Dynamo	San Diego FC
Score	1	0
Possession	35%	65%
Shots (on Goal)	11 (2)	10 (1)
Passes Completed	301	804
Red Cards	1	1

Looking Ahead

San Diego FC (3-4-2, 11 points) will have little time to dwell on the loss as they return to Snapdragon Stadium this weekend. They are set to host the Portland Timbers on Saturday, April 25 at 6:30 p.m. PT.

With Amahl Pellegrino now facing a suspension, Varas will have to adjust his attacking options once again as the club searches for its first MLS victory since March 7. Tickets are currently available at SanDiegoFC.com/Tickets.