San Diego FC continues to experience a start that seems straight out of a script.

In their first season in MLS, the Californian team has not only won over their fans, but has also entered the debate about the strongest debuts in league history, even compared to LAFC's initial impact in 2018. With Hirving With “Chucky” Lozano as a half figure—although not the sole focus of the project—the franchise is just a few wins away from matching the achievements of the Chicago Fire in 1998 and the Houston Dynamo in 2006, the only expansion teams to lift the MLS Cup in their early years.

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A key match at Snapdragon Stadium

This Monday, San Diego will host Minnesota United with a ticket to the Western Conference final at stake. Both teams needed three matches to advance from the first round: San Diego finished with a 4-0 rout of the Portland Timbers, while Minnesota eliminated the Seattle Sounders after a penalty shootout.

San Diego's performance has been impressive from the start. Their possession-based style—averaging over 60% in the regular season—has translated into an effective offense, with eight goals in three playoff games and eleven games with three or more goals this year. They also come into the game with a five-game unbeaten streak in regulation time and a clear home advantage, boasting a 6-1 aggregate score in the first round. Minnesota, despite being motivated by their comeback win against Seattle, faces a complex challenge on the road: they are winless in their last three away games and have conceded six goals in that span. Their only victory in the conference semifinals dates back to 2020. San Diego is looking to extend a debut season that has already made its mark. Minnesota wants to deliver another blow. A spot in the Western Conference Final is at stake. LIVE: San Diego's goal: