On Saturday, November 29, 2025, San Diego FC will host Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs Western Conference Final, Snapdragon Stadium — a make-or-break showdown that could rewrite MLS history. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. PT, with global streaming on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. For San Diego, it’s not just another playoff game — it’s the climax of a fairytale debut season. For Vancouver, it’s a last chance to salvage a year that’s been defined by grit and late-season momentum. And for soccer fans? It’s a rare chance to witness an expansion team chase something no new franchise has done since 2008: reach the MLS Cup final.
A Dream Season on the Edge
San Diego FC entered Major League Soccer in 2025 as an unproven expansion side with high expectations but little track record. No one predicted they’d make it this far. Yet here they are, one win away from the championship game. Their semifinal victory over Minnesota United FC — a 1-0 thriller at Snapdragon Stadium — was the stuff of legend. Designated Player Anders Dreyer struck in the 72nd minute, and goalkeeper Pablo Sisniega made five crucial saves in the final 15 minutes, including a diving stop on a point-blank header. The win made San Diego just the second expansion team in MLS history to reach a conference final in their first season — after Toronto FC in 2017.
Head-to-Head Rivalry Heats Up
The two teams met twice during the 2025 regular season, and both games were fireworks. On June 25, San Diego rolled to a 5-3 win in Vancouver — a match that featured five goals from the home side and a stunning hat trick from Dreyer. Then, on July 19, the Whitecaps returned the favor with a 1-1 draw at Snapdragon Stadium, thanks to a late equalizer from Brian White. Those results suggest a high-scoring, end-to-end battle is inevitable. Both teams finished the regular season with 72 goals scored — tied for second in the league. San Diego’s attack is led by Dreyer’s 22 goals and 16 assists, while White, Vancouver’s 16-goal striker, has quietly become their most reliable finisher.
Lineups, Tactics, and the Numbers Game
San Diego’s 4-3-3 formation, built on possession and width, has been their signature. They averaged 66% possession against Portland in their last two playoff wins — a staggering number in a league where teams often sit back. Midfielders Luca de la Torre and Jeppe Tverskov control tempo, while wingers Hirving Lozano and Tomas Angel stretch defenses. Vancouver, meanwhile, relies on structure and counterattacks. Defender Maxime Chanot anchors a backline that’s kept 14 clean sheets — one more than San Diego’s 12. Their midfield trio of Tomas Angel, Luca Bombino, and Tomas Angel (note: likely a duplicate; should be corrected to Tomas Angel as attacker and Luca Bombino as midfielder) has improved dramatically since September.
Why This Matters Beyond the Scoreline
If San Diego wins, they become the first expansion team since Real Salt Lake in 2008 to reach the MLS Cup final. That’s 17 years of near-misses and underwhelming debuts. For a city that’s long been overlooked in the soccer world — despite its passionate fanbase and coastal vibe — this is cultural validation. The sellout crowd at Snapdragon Stadium will be deafening. The team’s owner, Jeff Moorad, has already hinted at plans for a new training complex if the club makes a deep playoff run.
For Vancouver, this is a redemption arc. After a slow start and midseason coaching change, they clawed back into the playoffs with four wins in their final six games. But they’ve never won a conference final in their 18-year MLS history. A loss here ends their season — and raises questions about whether their current core can compete at the highest level.
What’s at Stake for Fans and the League
MLS has spent years trying to build rivalries beyond the traditional powerhouses. San Diego’s rise — fueled by smart signings, local talent like Lozano, and a city hungry for identity — offers something new. The league’s broadcast partners saw a 42% surge in viewership for San Diego’s home playoff games compared to last year. Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass is now the most-streamed sports subscription in California. This isn’t just about who advances. It’s about proving that new markets can thrive.
And the betting odds? They’re screaming for goals. At -170 for OVER 2.5 goals, oddsmakers expect fireworks. With both teams averaging 2.4 goals per game in the playoffs, and Dreyer and White combining for 38 goals, it’s hard to bet against it.
What’s Next?
Win or lose, the ripple effects will be immediate. A San Diego victory would send them to the MLS Cup final on December 13, 2025, likely against either New York City FC or Columbus Crew. A loss? Vancouver’s front office will face pressure to rebuild. San Diego’s ownership group, meanwhile, will likely begin planning for 2026 — with ambitions of adding a second striker and upgrading their youth academy.
One thing’s certain: November 29 won’t just be remembered for the score. It’ll be remembered as the day a brand-new club came within 90 minutes of MLS immortality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did San Diego FC reach the Western Conference Final in their first season?
San Diego FC advanced by defeating the Portland Timbers 4-0 in the Round of 16 and then edging Minnesota United FC 1-0 in the semifinal. Their success stems from a high-pressing style, elite midfield control, and standout performances from Designated Player Anders Dreyer, who scored 22 goals and 16 assists. They became only the second expansion team in MLS history to reach a conference final in their debut season, following Toronto FC in 2017.
Who are the key players to watch in the Western Conference Final?
For San Diego FC, Anders Dreyer (22 goals, 16 assists) and goalkeeper Pablo Sisniega — who made five crucial saves in the semifinal — are pivotal. Hirving Lozano’s pace on the wing and Luca de la Torre’s midfield control are also critical. For Vancouver, Brian White (16 goals) is their main threat, while defender Maxime Chanot anchors a defense that’s kept 14 clean sheets. Both teams rely on depth, but individual brilliance will likely decide the match.
What’s the historical significance of this match for MLS?
No expansion team has reached the MLS Cup final since Real Salt Lake in 2008. San Diego FC’s run breaks a 17-year drought and proves new markets can compete at the highest level. If they win, it could shift how MLS allocates expansion resources — prioritizing strong ownership and local talent over just market size. It also validates the league’s push into non-traditional soccer cities like San Diego.
Why are betting odds favoring over 2.5 goals?
Both teams scored 72 goals in the regular season — tied for second in MLS. San Diego averages 2.4 goals per game in the playoffs, while Vancouver has conceded 1.1 per game in their last five matches. Dreyer and White have combined for 38 goals this season, and their head-to-head meetings have averaged 4.5 goals. The odds reflect a high-octane matchup with both teams prioritizing attack over defense in elimination games.
Where can fans watch the match live?
The match will be broadcast live on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV, starting at 6:00 p.m. PT on November 29, 2025 (02:00 UTC on November 30). It’s also available through the MLS app and select international partners. No local TV broadcast is planned, making the streaming service the only official option for fans across North America.
What happens if San Diego FC wins?
They advance to the MLS Cup final on December 13, 2025, where they’ll face the winner of the Eastern Conference Final — likely New York City FC or Columbus Crew. A win there would make them the first expansion team since 2008 to claim the MLS Cup. Ownership has already signaled plans to expand training facilities and increase youth academy funding, potentially reshaping the club’s long-term future.
