Sun Jul 06 03:10:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summarized version of the text and a rewritten news article based on it:
**Summary:**
San Diego FC (SDFC), a Major League Soccer expansion team, has defied expectations by surging to the top of the Western Conference standings. After a strong May, many predicted a decline due to an international break, away games, and missing key players. However, SDFC went undefeated in June, fueled by strong offensive performances, particularly from Anders Dreyer, who was named MLS Player of the Month. Despite roster changes due to injuries and international duty, the team has maintained its momentum, demonstrating impressive depth and a strong team culture. Coach Mikey Varas emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement and focusing on the end goal of a successful season. Key players like Christopher McVey, who signed a contract extension, highlight the team’s belief in the project and its potential for long-term success.
**News Article:**
**San Diego FC Defies Expectations, Soars to Top of Western Conference**
SAN DIEGO – San Diego FC (SDFC), the MLS expansion team, has shocked the league by claiming the top spot in the Western Conference after a stellar June performance. Experts predicted a slump after a successful May, citing an international break, a string of away games, and the absence of key players due to international duty and injuries. However, SDFC defied the odds, going undefeated with a commanding 12 goals scored.
Anders Dreyer, SDFC’s right winger, was named MLS Player of the Month for June, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive dominance with three goals and six assists. “We scored a lot of goals,” Dreyer said. “We’re very happy about that. We also want to close down on defense. But the most important thing is we get the three points.”
Despite ongoing roster adjustments, including the return of Hirving “Chucky” Lozano from injury but also season-ending injuries to defender Andres Reyes and midfielder Alejandro Alvarado Jr., the team has demonstrated impressive depth and resilience. Young players like Milan Iloski and Luca Bombino have stepped up when needed, filling gaps left by injured teammates.
“I think we are a very good group for the moment, and everybody supports everybody no matter how much each of us plays or not,” Dreyer said, highlighting the team’s strong culture.
Coach Mikey Varas emphasized the team’s relentless pursuit of improvement and focus on the ultimate goal. “We want to be a relentless club in terms of having that mentality to go for more always… recognizing that we’re not perfect and we can be even better.”
Defender Christopher McVey, who recently signed a contract extension through 2027, admitted initial uncertainty upon joining the team but now expresses strong belief in the project and its potential. “Just the way we trained, I was like: ‘OK, we could be really good.’”
SDFC will look to continue its winning streak against the Houston Dynamo at Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday. The team is one point shy of the 30-team league’s best overall record. While individual accolades are celebrated, Coach Varas stressed that the team’s ultimate success will be defined by its performance at the end of the season.
First Piper 