
Match Preview Presented by Ticketmaster: San Diego FC Visits Atlanta United for First-Ever Meeting
Published on September 19, 2025 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
San Diego FC News Release
San Diego FC (17-8-5, 56 points) heads east this weekend for its first-ever matchup against Atlanta United FC (12-10-8, 44 points) on Saturday, Sept. 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. PT, with live coverage on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, as well as radio broadcasts in English on San Diego Sports 760 AM and Spanish on TUDN 1700 AM.
First Meeting Between the Clubs
Saturday marks the first time San Diego and Atlanta United will face off in Major League Soccer competition. The cross-conference matchup pairs SDFC, MLS's newest club, against one of the league's most dynamic sides, known for its electric home atmosphere at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
SDFC Riding Baja Cup Momentum
San Diego enters the contest on a high note after defeating Liga MX side Club Tijuana (Xolos), 4-2, in the inaugural Baja Cup at Snapdragon Stadium on Sept. 16. The victory marked the Club's first-ever match against the cross-border neighbors, offering an opportunity to grow the squad and give minutes to more players, and it also extended its strong run of form late in the season.
Atlanta Looking to Rebound at Home
Atlanta United looks to bounce back after a 5-4 loss to the Columbus Crew in a wild, high-scoring affair on Sept. 13. Despite already being eliminated from Playoff contention, Atlanta will look to capitalize on home-field advantage in front of one of MLS's largest crowds.
What's at Stake
Playoff Push: San Diego has already clinched a berth in the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs and continues to chase seeding advantages in the Western Conference.
Supporters' Shield Race: SDFC remains in contention for the Shield as the regular season nears its conclusion.
Expansion Points Record: SDFC is currently tied with St. Louis CITY SC's 2023 inaugural mark of 56 points and sits just one point shy of LAFC's expansion record of 57 points set in 2018. With a victory, San Diego would establish a new record for most points in an expansion season (Post-Shootout Era).
Expansion Wins Record: A win on Saturday would give SDFC 18 victories, breaking the MLS record for most wins in a debut season (17), previously held by St. Louis CITY SC (2023).
Top of the West: Three points would strengthen San Diego's hold on first place in the Western Conference and move the Club closer to clinching home-field advantage throughout the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Playoffs on the Horizon
SDFC has already secured a spot in the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffsin the Club's inaugural season, becoming the first MLS club to clinch a postseason berth this year. SDFC Season Ticket Members receive guaranteed to access to the Audi 2025 MLS Playoffs presented by DIRECTV. Fans can also join the Playoff Priority List for priority access to single match tickets should additional Playoff tickets become available. Fans can learn more about tickets, tournament format, and more, by visiting SanDiegoFC.com/Playoffs.
San Diego Watch Parties
Join SDFC for Official Watch Parties, presented by Modelo, as the team takes on Atlanta United at McGregors Bar & Grill in San Diego (21+) and at Chicago Bros Pizzeria in San Diego (all ages welcome). The events will run from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. PT. Fans can enjoy a live DJ, raffles, giveaways, and more. The first 100 to RSVP will receive a complimentary drink ticket - limit one per person. Fans interested in attending can RSVP.
Major League Soccer Stories from September 19, 2025
- LA Galaxy Host FC Cincinnati Tomorrow, Saturday, September 20 at Dignity Health Sports Park - LA Galaxy
- Sounders FC and Providence to Support Lindbergh High School Suicide Awareness Walk this Saturday, September 20 - Seattle Sounders FC
- Silvetti Called up by Argentina for 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup - Inter Miami CF
- Minnesota United FC vs. Chicago Fire FC Preview - Minnesota United FC
- Inter Miami CF Hosts D.C. United this Saturday - Inter Miami CF
- Rapids Seek Series-Closing Road Victory against FC Dallas - Colorado Rapids
- Availability Report: Trio Miss Charlotte Clash - New York City FC
- Match Preview Presented by Ticketmaster: San Diego FC Visits Atlanta United for First-Ever Meeting - San Diego FC
- Revolution Visit Philadelphia Union on Saturday Afternoon - New England Revolution
- SKC Hosts Vancouver on Saturday - Sporting Kansas City
- Nashville SC Schedule: September 22-28, 2025 - Nashville SC
- CF Montréal to Host New York Red Bulls at Stade Saputo on Saturday - Club de Foot Montreal
- Reed Baker-Whiting and Obed Vargas Called-Up for 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup - Seattle Sounders FC
- FC Cincinnati Visit LA Galaxy in Final Western Conference Showdown of Regular Season - FC Cincinnati
- MNUFC Completes Transfer of Midfielder Alejandro Bran to L.D. Alajuelense - Minnesota United FC
- Houston Dynamo FC Continue Playoff Push at Shell Energy Stadium Versus the Portland Timbers - Houston Dynamo FC
- D.C. United Appoints Dr. Erkut Sogut as Managing Director of Soccer Operations - D.C. United
- Matinée Matchup: Ingredients of the Match: Charlotte FC vs NYCFC - Charlotte FC
- SDFC Goalkeeper Duran Ferree, Defender Luca Bombino, and Midfielder Pedro Soma Named to the U.S. Under-20 Men's National Team Roster for 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup - San Diego FC
- Luke Brennan, Noah Cobb Named to United States Roster for 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup - Atlanta United FC
- Colorado Rapids' Adam Beaudry and Noah Cobb Named to U.S. U-20 Roster for FIFA U-20 World Cup - Colorado Rapids
- Earthquakes' Niko Tsakiris to Represent United States in 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile - San Jose Earthquakes
- Revolution Homegrown Defender Peyton Miller Named to U.S. Roster for 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile - New England Revolution
- Homegrown Midfielder Taha Habroune to Represent the United States at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile - Columbus Crew SC
- Houston Dynamo FC Homegrown Midfielder Brooklyn Raines to Represent United States at 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup - Houston Dynamo FC
- FC Dallas Homegrown Defender Nolan Norris Called up to U.S. U-20 Roster for 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup - FC Dallas
- Frankie Westfield Named to U.S. Under-20 Men's National Team for 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup - Philadelphia Union
- Nashville SC Midfielder Matthew Corcoran to Compete in the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025 with the United States - Nashville SC
- Real Salt Lake Homegrown Zavier Gozo & FW Marcos Zambrano Named to U.S.A Roster for 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile - Real Salt Lake
- Keys to the Match: Keep Going - New York City FC
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent San Diego FC Stories
- Match Preview Presented by Ticketmaster: San Diego FC Visits Atlanta United for First-Ever Meeting
- SDFC Goalkeeper Duran Ferree, Defender Luca Bombino, and Midfielder Pedro Soma Named to the U.S. Under-20 Men's National Team Roster for 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup
- San Diego FC Academy to Host Free Open Tryouts in Chula Vista on Friday, October 3
- San Diego FC Defeats Club Tijuana 4-2 in Inaugural Baja Cup at Snapdragon Stadium
- San Diego FC Hosts Club Tijuana in Inaugural Baja Cup

