In what will surely go down as one of the most memorable nights in San Diego FC’s short history, local hero Milan Iloski scored four goals in just 12 minutes to lead the MLS newcomers to a thrilling 5-3 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place.
The 25-year-old striker, currently on loan from Danish side FC Nordsjælland, not only delivered the club’s first-ever hat trick, but also completed a historic “poker” — four goals in a single match — just halfway through their debut season. All in his first-ever MLS start.
we call that a... Statement. pic.twitter.com/1l877B2KPk
— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) June 26, 2025
Iloski’s explosion began in the 35th minute, when he struck twice in quick succession, the second coming just two minutes after his opener.
Así Iloski abre el marcador a favor de @sandiegofc.
Hasta sonó el riflazo que dio . pic.twitter.com/8Lf4Ilp04v— MLS Español (@MLSes) June 26, 2025
Iloski está imparable... DO-BLE-TE.
Goooool de @sandiegofc en Vancouver. pic.twitter.com/u8D45NMj89— MLS Español (@MLSes) June 26, 2025
Vancouver momentarily cut the deficit through Édier Ocampo shortly before halftime, but the celebrations were short-lived. Straight from the restart, Iloski capitalized on a lapse in concentration to complete his hat trick, sending the match into the break with a stunning 3-1 scoreline.
¡Hat-trick de Iloski! El tercero para @sandiegofc.
Gol de cabezazo tras asistencia impecable de Dreyer. pic.twitter.com/g0er4d0VUF— MLS Español (@MLSes) June 26, 2025
The chaos resumed early in the second half. Just two minutes after the restart, Iloski latched onto another assist from Danish winger Anders Dreyer to bag his fourth goal of the night. Dreyer, himself putting on a masterclass, finished with a hat trick of assists in a match that showcased the sheer attacking potential of the league’s newest expansion side.
Iloski gets his FOURTH!
That's 4 goals in 12 minutes. pic.twitter.com/R2UsxEDwk4— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 26, 2025
Seattle Sounders attacker, Paul Arriola, was one of many to react to the performance, taking to X to call on MLS to include Iloski as a last-minute 2025 All-Star selection.
Can @MLS add Milan Iloski to the All Star Game ASAP because WOW!!!!
— Paul Arriola (@PaulArriola) June 26, 2025
Vancouver Whitecaps' Mathías Laborda and Antoine Coupland, as well as San Diego FC's Tomás Ángel would score the last trio of goals to end the night at BC Place.
The win catapults San Diego FC to the top of the Western Conference with 36 points, overtaking Vancouver, who now sit second with 35. It was a night of firsts, fireworks, and a reminder that San Diego’s story in MLS is only just beginning — and already full of history.
