San Diego FC beats Club Tijuana 1-0 with goal from Zamblé

San Diego FC beat Club Tijuana 1-0 on Sunday night at Snapdragon Stadium, giving the expansion club its first points in the Leagues Cup. The sold-out crowd watched 18-year-old forward Bryan Zamblé score the only goal of the game in the 34th minute, securing three crucial points in the tournament’s group stage. This was San Diego’s first competitive match against Tijuana, a rival just across the border, and the win keeps both teams alive in a tough group that includes LA Galaxy and Club León.

The Leagues Cup’s new format mixes MLS and Liga MX sides, making every match count. San Diego FC, playing its inaugural season, needed a strong start to prove it belongs among established Mexican clubs. Tijuana, a consistent Liga MX side, came in as favorites but struggled to break down San Diego’s disciplined defense. Zamblé’s goal came from a quick counterattack, showcasing the young forward’s potential in front of a home crowd eager for moments to celebrate.

San Diego’s defense held firm, with goalkeeper Jonathan Bustos making key saves to preserve the clean sheet. Tijuana managed just three shots on target all night, while San Diego created several chances but couldn’t add to the lead. The win moves San Diego FC to the top of its group—at least temporarily—while Tijuana drops to second, needing a result in its next match against LA Galaxy.

This result could shape San Diego’s confidence for the rest of the tournament. A strong showing in the Leagues Cup could help the club build momentum in its first MLS season. Meanwhile, Tijuana faces pressure to recover, knowing a loss in its next game could end its chances of advancing. For San Diego, the question now is whether this performance is a fluke or the start of something bigger.