San Diego FC’s Dream Debut Season

The 3 best players from San Diego FC's first-ever MLS season

San Diego FC’s first-ever MLS season was one for the history books. Finishing fourth overall and setting a new record for most points by an expansion team, the club defied all expectations. Their success was built on a combination of flair, leadership, and consistency, embodied perfectly by three players who defined their debut campaign: Anders Dreyer, Hirving Lozano, and Jeppe Tverskov. Here’s a look at San Diego’s standout trio from a season of historic firsts.

Jeppe Tverskov - The captain who held it all together

Every great team needs a firm leader, and for San Diego FC, that came in the form of their first-ever captain, Jeppe Tverskov. The 32-year-old Danish defensive midfielder joined from FC Nordsjaelland and quickly became the team’s backbone. In a season full of attacking brilliance, Tverskov provided the calm and structure needed for San Diego’s style to thrive. Across 33 MLS appearances, his class and composure shone as he quickly became one of the standout players in his position in the league, and guided the club to ten clean sheets. He also scored twice and set up his teammates on five occasions. More than numbers, his leadership defined the locker room. Tasked with uniting a brand-new squad of international signings, Tverskov set the tone from the start. His influence extended beyond defense; his composure in possession and communication on the pitch allowed San Diego to transition smoothly between attack and defense. Tverskov wasn’t just their first captain, but in fact, he was the compass that pointed the new side toward success.

Hirving Lozano - The fiery forward

When San Diego FC signed Mexican international Hirving “Chucky” Lozano as their first Designated Player, expectations were immense. A Serie A champion with Napoli and with 70 international caps for Mexico, Lozano arrived as the club’s marquee name, and it's safe to say that he delivered. In his debut MLS season, Lozano scored nine goals and added seven assists in just league matches, placing him in the 96th percentile for total goal contributions per 90 minutes. His creativity and pace on the wing stretched defenses and opened space for teammates to exploit. Per 90, he averaged 0.44 goals and 0.39 assists, showing his dual threat as both scorer and creator. Lozano’s performances lit up Snapdragon Stadium, where his flair and confidence quickly became a fan favorite. His leadership in attack complemented Anders Dreyer’s clinical finishing perfectly, and his work ethic off the ball added balance to San Diego’s offense. For an expansion side, having a player like Lozano was transformative. The 30-year-old gave the side credibility, stardust, and a direct connection to a massive North American fan base.

Anders Dreyer - San Diego's star who made history

If there was one player who defined San Diego FC’s debut season, it was Anders Dreyer. The Danish forward wasn’t just good, he was simply spectacular. Dreyer finished the MLS regular season with 19 goals and 16 assists, placing him in the 99th percentile for total goal contributions per 90 minutes (1.07). His consistency and explosiveness made him a strong MVP candidate and the clear favorite for MLS Newcomer of the Year. Dreyer’s impact went beyond stats, as he delivered in clutch moments, including a decisive 4-0 win over Portland where he scored twice and assisted once to secure first place in the Western Conference. His 19 goals came from an xG of 20.7, showing remarkable efficiency, while his creativity shone through an xA of 15.15. Both of these are elite numbers for any forward, let alone one in his first MLS season. Dreyer also became the player with the most goals (17) and goal contributions (27) on the road in MLS history, showing just how reliable he can be under pressure. Together with Lozano, he formed one of the league’s deadliest attacking duos, combining European precision with Latin flair. The San Diego story is just beginning, but this trio has already laid the foundation for what could become one of MLS’s most exciting franchises. Dreyer’s brilliance brought the goals, Lozano’s effortless flair and Tverskov’s leadership brought the balance. Together, they turned a debut season into a massive statement - that San Diego FC isn’t just here to partake, but to contend.