The moment we’ve all been waiting for just went down: 22-year-old midfielder Alejandro Alvarado not only returned to the SDFC starting lineup against FC Dallas, his first start since a season-ending right knee injury way back on June 25, 2025, but he also netted his first career MLS goal. That absolutely clutch outside-the-box strike in the 50th minute gave San Diego the deserved 1-0 lead, securing their first win since the World Cup pause. Talk about a statement comeback!
Alvarado’s Epic Comeback Ignites SDFC
Dude, Alvarado’s journey back has been brutal. He’s been grinding, showing up in seven matches this year, but always as a sub, just getting limited minutes. To go from that season-ending injury last year against the Vancouver Whitecaps to starting his first game and then dropping an absolute banger for his first ever MLS goal? You can’t write this stuff! He just launched it from outside the box, perfectly into the right side netting. What a moment for the kid.
SDFC Head Coach Mikey Varas was hyped, calling Alvarado a total “team guy” and giving props to the medical staff, Paulina and Carrie, who helped him fight back from what was clearly a “hard year.” Varas even said Alvarado “embodies that relentless, never-say-die attitude.” And the goal itself? Alvarado said Christopher McVey just told him, “just shoot.” Sometimes, that’s all it takes, right?
SDFC Fights Hard For That First Post-Pause Win
This win wasn’t just about Alvarado’s magic; it was about the squad getting it done after being back home for the first time since May 23. This was the 17th matchday, the halfway point of the regular season, and *both* clubs needed this win hard after the lengthy FIFA World Cup pause. Remember that 1-0 loss to the Colorado Rapids midweek? Or the crazy 3-3 draw with FC Dallas back in March? This was different.
SDFC came out swinging, straight-up dominating the first 45 minutes. They held over 70% possession, fired off 12 total shots with five on target! How they ended the half 0-0, I don’t even know. Onni Valakari had a huge chance denied by FC Dallas keeper Daniel, then hit the right post in the 59th minute. Just brutal luck! But hey, they kept pushing. When Logan Farrington looked like he was gonna tie it up in the 90+3 minute, Manu Duah came out of nowhere with a game-sealing block. And shoutout to CJ dos Santos, too, picking up his first clean sheet of the season with just one save needed. Varas summed it up: “needed to be under pressure much quicker,” and “dominated the ball.” The boys executed that plan.
Man, what a night. SDFC really needed that W, especially after the World Cup break and that midweek loss. Getting their first victory at home, showing that kind of offensive control, and having a defender make a clutch block? That’s the kind of momentum you want to build. But seriously, Alvarado’s return and that incredible first goal? That’s what everyone’s gonna be talking about. This team just showed some serious grit.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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