Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.
San Diego FC head coach Mikey Varas believes Alejandro Alvarado “embodies that relentless never-say-die attitude”, following his return from injury.
Alvarado was sidelined for 13 months after suffering a knee injury, but he marked his first start back in style, scoring the winner against FC Dallas on July 25.
The 23-year-old also registered an assist in their Leagues Cup win over Tijuana, and San Diego now return to MLS action this weekend with a tough test away to Los Angeles FC.
Varas praised the resiliency of Alvarado, who celebrated with his head coach after scoring against Dallas.
“He’s a top guy, and we go way back. I think I was a little bit more in the way than it was exactly directed to me,” Varas said when asked about the hug he shared with Alvardo following his goal.
“I know that he was really grateful of Paulina [Maldonado] and Cari [Stankaitis] and the rest of the medical staff who helped him make a comeback from what happened last year, and it’s been a hard year for him.
“And he embodies that relentless never-say-die attitude.”
Everything happens for a reason. For Alejandro Alvarado Jr., it’s what you do next that matters most.
The Alvaroad to Recovery. Now available on SDFC YouTube.
— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) August 14, 2026
LAFC will be no easy task for San Diego, with Marc dos Santos’ side currently second in the Western Conference and level on points with leaders Vancouver Whitecaps.
LAFC narrowly missed out on reaching the quarter-finals of the Leagues Cup, despite a 1-0 win over Toluca and penalty shoot-out victories over Guadalajara and Queretaro.
Son has scored in four straight regular-season matches since returning from the World Cup break, his second such streak with Los Angeles FC.
Only three LAFC players have scored in five straight league matches: Carlos Vela (streaks of 10 and five), Denis Bouanga (two streaks of six) and Cristian Arango.
Dreyer scored on the road in San Diego’s last regular season game, a 1-1 draw at Minnesota United.
It was Dreyer’s 20th road goal since the start of last season, with only Lionel Messi (23 goals) having scored more road goals in MLS in that time.
MATCH PREDICTION – LOS ANGELES FC WIN
LAFC’s most recent regular-season match at home was a 4-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City on July 25. LAFC have won five of their seven home matches during the 2026 regular season by multiple goals, tied for the most in MLS with Vancouver.
LAFC also earned their first point against San Diego in regular-season play on May 2 with a 2-2 draw, after losing the two meetings in 2025, including a 2–1 home defeat.
LAFC have lost consecutive home regular-season matches against a single opponent once in team history (versus Houston in 2023–2024).
Since winning their road opener on March 8 against Kansas City, San Diego are winless on the road in regular-season play across their last seven games (D3 L4), after winning 13 of their first 18 road matches in the regular season (D1 L4).
MLS News
Hartel explains ‘very difficult decision’ to leave St. Louis
MLS News
Jackson excited for Minnesota return following Vancouver spell
MLS News
Jimenez brace highlights Red Bulls’ belief in academy pathway
MLS News
Sanchez can help Montreal get ‘lost points back’, says interim boss Eullaffroy
MLS News
Messi ‘demonstrated what he’s made of’ with surprise Inter Miami return
MLS News
Lozano to give everything for LA Galaxy after joining on loan
We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Discover more from NAIRAVOICE.COM.NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
