Snapdragon Shocker: San Diego FC Stuns Pumas UNAM with Historic 4-1 Comeback
In a night that will be etched into the memory of Southern California soccer fans, San Diego FC delivered a masterclass in resilience, defeating the legendary Pumas UNAM 4-1 in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup 2026.
Playing in front of a sold-out Snapdragon Stadium on February 3, 2026, the MLS side overcame an early deficit to score four unanswered goals in a blistering 20-minute window, leaving the Mexican giants on the brink of elimination.
Match Summary: A Tale of Two Halves
The match began with Pumas asserting their continental experience. The “Auriazules” took control early, silencing the home crowd in the 11th minute.
- The Opening Salvo: Robert Morales found the back of the net following a clinical assist from Panamanian star Adalberto Carrasquilla. For over an hour, Pumas looked poised to take a comfortable lead back to Mexico City.
- The Turning Point: Everything changed in the 68th minute. San Diego’s persistent pressure finally broke the Pumas defense, led by veteran goalkeeper Keylor Navas.
The 18-Minute Blitz
Between the 68th and 86th minutes, San Diego FC dismantled the Pumas backline with surgical precision:
- 68’ – Manu Duah: Headed home a pinpoint cross from Anders Dreyer to level the score.
- 76’ – David Vazquez: Put the hosts ahead with a powerful finish assisted by Wilson Eisner.
- 81’ – Alex Mighten: Capitalized on a defensive lapse to make it 3-1.
- 86’ – Luca Bombino: Sealed the historic “goleada” with a fourth goal, sending the stadium into a frenzy.
San Diego FC vs. Pumas: Match Player Stats & Highlights
| Player | Team | Action | Minute |
| Robert Morales | Pumas | Goal (0-1) | 11′ |
| Manu Duah | San Diego | Goal (1-1) | 68′ |
| David Vazquez | San Diego | Goal (2-1) | 76′ |
| Alex Mighten | San Diego | Goal (3-1) | 81′ |
| Luca Bombino | San Diego | Goal (4-1) | 86′ |
Key Performance Notes:
- Adalberto Carrasquilla (Pumas): Controlled the midfield in the first half but faded as San Diego intensified their high-press.
- Anders Dreyer (San Diego): The creative engine for the hosts, finishing with a crucial assist and four chances created.
- Keylor Navas (Pumas): Despite the four goals conceded, the legendary keeper made three spectacular saves in the first half to keep Pumas in the lead.
What Pumas Needs to Advance
The 4-1 scoreline is a “golpe de realidad” (reality check) for the Liga MX side. However, the away goal by Robert Morales offers a slim lifeline.
- The Miracle at CU: Pumas must win the second leg at Estadio Olímpico Universitario on February 10 by a score of 3-0 to advance via the away goals rule.
- Aggregate Score: A 4-1 win for Pumas in the second leg would send the match to penalties (5-5 aggregate).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who won the San Diego vs. Pumas match? San Diego FC won the first leg 4-1.
When is the second leg of San Diego vs. Pumas? The return match is scheduled for February 10, 2026, in Mexico City.
Does the away goal rule apply in the 2026 Concachampions? Yes, the away goal remains the primary tiebreaker for the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup rounds.
Where was the match played? The game took place at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California.
