Minnesota United Hands Shorthanded San Diego FC Second Straight Loss

Azul and chrome have lost two in a row after playing a man down for most of the second half.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:50am

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A dynamic, geometric painting in bold colors depicts a soccer match from multiple angles, with players and the ball fragmented into sharp, overlapping shapes.A fractured, Cubist-inspired illustration captures the chaotic energy of San Diego FC's shorthanded battle against Minnesota United.San Diego Today

Despite playing a man down for nearly the entire second half after defenseman Christopher McVey was sent off, San Diego FC continued to create scoring chances but ultimately fell 2-1 to Minnesota United FC at Snapdragon Stadium. Goalkeeper Drake Callender made several key saves to preserve the lead for Minnesota, which scored the winning goal in the 40th minute on a putback by Kelvin Yeboah.

Why it matters

This loss marks the second straight defeat for San Diego FC, who are now 3-2-2 on the season. The team has struggled with discipline issues, receiving six red cards across their last five competitions. The shorthanded loss highlights the challenges SDFC faces in maintaining their early-season success.

The details

In the 46th minute, SDFC defenseman Christopher McVey was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a collision with Minnesota's Nicolas Romero. Despite playing a man down, SDFC continued to create chances, including a shot by Anders Dreyer in the 81st minute that Callender saved just before the goal line. Minnesota took the lead in the 40th minute on Yeboah's putback goal, and SDFC was unable to equalize despite several late opportunities.

  • In the 46th minute, McVey was sent off with a red card.
  • In the 29th minute, Dreyer came close to giving SDFC a 2-1 lead but was denied by Callender.
  • In the 11th minute, Minnesota United equalized with a header goal from Kyle Duncan.
  • In the 6th minute, Luca Bombino scored the opening goal for SDFC.

The players

Drake Callender

The goalkeeper for Minnesota United FC who made several key saves to preserve the lead for his team.

Christopher McVey

The SDFC defenseman who was sent off in the 46th minute with his third red card of the 2026 season.

Anders Dreyer

The SDFC forward who had several scoring chances but was denied by Callender.

Kelvin Yeboah

The Minnesota United FC player who scored the winning goal in the 40th minute.

Luca Bombino

The 19-year-old SDFC player who scored the opening goal of the match in the 6th minute.

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What’s next

SDFC will look to bounce back from this second straight loss when they face off against the Seattle Sounders on April 19th.

The takeaway

This game highlights the discipline issues SDFC has faced this season, with six red cards across their last five competitions. Despite playing a man down for most of the second half, the team continued to fight and create chances, but ultimately fell short against a strong Minnesota United squad.