San Diego FC's 2026 Leagues Cup campaign got off to a rocky start as they fell 3-1 to Club América at Estadio Banorte on Thursday night.
The matchup against one of North America's most prestigious clubs marked San Diego FC's third match in Mexico, with the Chrome & Azul searching for their first victory south of the border.
Club América dominated the first half, scoring three unanswered goals. Midfielder Brian Rodríguez was all over the first half, giving América the early lead in the 11th minute with a left-footed low-driven shot across goal and into the right-side netting. Rodríguez's performance earned him the Man-of-the-Match award.
Rodríguez provided his second assist of the night in the 33rd minute, with his pass into the goal area only needing the finishing touch from midfielder Érick Sánchez for the 2-0 lead. América's third goal of the night came off the right-footed strike of forward Isaías Violante, who blasted his shot into the far right post and into the net for the 3-0 scoreline heading into the locker room break.
SDFC left the first half with the 58%-42% possession advantage, but it was América dominating the chance creation numbers, scoring three times through 12 total shots. The Chrome & Azul pulled a goal back in the 63rd minute, with defender Luca Bombino meeting a loose ball inside the penalty box and rifling his shot into the roof of the goal to make it a 3-1 scoreline.
San Diego FC's remaining Phase One Leagues Cup matches shift to Snapdragon Stadium, hosting Baja Cup rivals Club Tijuana on Sunday night, Aug. 9, all set for a 7 p.m. kickoff. The Chrome & Azul conclude Phase One play next Wednesday night, Aug. 12, against Club Puebla.
Club América's win leaves San Diego FC still waiting for their first victory in Mexico, with their record on Mexican soil now reading 0-3, having lost to Pumas UNAM, Toluca, and now Club América.
Source: Yahoo Sports