Grain of Salt...
May 2nd of 2026, San Diego FC faced off against Interstate 5 rivals Los Angeles FC. A SoCal derby that is one for the ages for sure. Unfortunately, it ended in a draw.
We all know that a draw is better than a loss. We can all mathematically understand that a point is a more favorable outcome than zero points. But holding a 2-0 lead to see it wash away in the dying minutes hurts. All the shoulda, coulda, wouldas start rolling around in your head spiralling into a vertigo of confusion and frustration. Disappointment is nothing new to us by now, but there was a bright, shining sign that gleamed its rays towards the realm of capabilities. The "grain of salt" in all of this is the 1st 80 minutes. We can say we are just 20 minutes away from being at full potential again.
I think all the negativities and criticisms whether deserved or biased has been said. No doubt our team has our work cut out for us till we reach the summer break. But let's highlight a few reminders of why hope is still available.
First, I'd like to make a quick comparison to another game played. Inter Miami had a 3-0 lead at the 34th minute against Orlando City yesterday. At the end of their match, Miami lost 3-4. If you want to compare our team to the "great Messi squad", well, there you go.
Now to focus on our team during their great 80 minute run:
1. We came out more aggressive
2. We actually took our shots when opportunities arose
3. Our ball movement was much better and we were able to keep LAFC restrained.
4. We have added "punting" the ball to safety to our utilities.
5. Even without Jeppe, we can move the ball in a positive way.
6. Players are coming back from injuries adding back to our roster.
7. Marcus Ingvartsen and Anders Dreyer are still adding goal contributions.
8. No red cards (sad and funny that I actually have to state this fact)
9. Proof that there is still a lot of fight in our team.
10. Regardless of the outcome, we were incredibly entertained!
So as gray as May has started, it isn't all gloom and doom. It was a sign of resurgence in our belief that we can still compete in order to get into the playoffs.
Perfection is not in our cards at this point and a good way to hit a solid brick of disappointment very fast. But to encourage forward progression even if it was short of expected speed is still forward progression. I hold on to feeling proud of our teams overall performance. We already know that they are disappointed and in their own performance so piling on it right now isn't gonna change anything.
I hope they retain this frustration and use it as the stone they sharpen their knives with for the next game. And I will be there ready to sing and chant for them.
Dale Azul Y Chrome!!
