As the wonder season continues for the San Diego FC when no one expected it, it seems that Anders Dreyer is also making his presence felt on the big stage as he leads the MVP race in the 2025 MLS season. But will he able to stay on the chase with a lot of key players making a case for the award as well?

When Anders Dreyer stepped onto the pitch for San Diego FC’s inaugural MLS fixture on February 24, 2025, few could have predicted the trajectory he would set. That night, he scored the first two goals in club history to secure a 2–0 upset over the defending champions, LA Galaxy, immediately capturing attention league-wide.

A burst of early brilliance evolved into extraordinary consistency, and now Dreyer is firmly in the conversation for league MVP honors. San Diego FC’s journey as an expansion team has been nothing short of remarkable. Dreyer has emerged as its engine, spearheading a rookie side that has climbed to the top of the Western Conference. In June, he led MLS in goal contributions, totaling nine between three goals and six assists, earning Player of the Month honors.

A Chase for Greatness

His influence goes well beyond those monthly metrics. Through mid-June, Dreyer had recorded eight goals and nine assists in just 18 games and led the league with 17 goal contributions at that point. That level of production is rare, particularly for an expansion club’s first season.

If he surpasses ten goals and ten assists, he will join an elite list that includes Carlos Vela, Héctor Villalba, and Sébastien Le Toux – all of whom achieved the feat in their team’s debut season. What stands out is the diversity of his game. Dreyer’s factory is built not only on scoring but on creativity. His stat lines – six goals and twelve assists in 20 matches – combine finishing and playmaking prowess.

The MVP race in MLS is traditionally crowded, featuring attacking standouts and high-profile stars like Messi, Tai Baribo, Diego Rossi, and Patrick Agyemang. But Dreyer’s narrative adds layers few others can match. He is the heartbeat of a first-year team defying expectations, blending flair and productivity while guiding a group to sustained success.

A Strong MVP Case so Far

Yet the MVP award isn’t decided by stats only. There’s a storyline element too, and Dreyer’s story resonates deeply. He is the face of a franchise writing its opening chapters, defining what San Diego FC meant from its first day in league history. His leadership and creativity have provided a lodestar not just for teammates, but for a fanbase eager for direction and excitement.

Notably, Dreyer’s capability to deliver in moments that matter elevates him beyond typical scoring metrics. Mixing flair and function, he ensures that defensive schemes must account for him, thus reshaping how opponents approach San Diego.

Perhaps most compelling is his balance between personal brilliance and team benefit. San Diego’s climb in the standings has coincided directly with Dreyer’s surge. He has scored when needed, racked up assists when supply was scarce, and kept producing even as the league adjusted. That is MVP‑caliber consistency.

If San Diego remains atop the West, if Dreyer continues to score and create at this level, the Landon Donovan Award might well end up in his hands. Not just because he has been good, but because he has meant everything to a brand‑new franchise finding its identity. His name may not feature in every highlight reel, but his fingerprints are all over history in the making.