Top-seeded San Diego FC will try to continue defying expectations when they host No. 4 seed Minnesota United on Monday night in a conference semifinal.

San Diego became the second expansion team in three seasons to finish atop the West standings, and in the process set an MLS points record for a first-year club.

Anders Dreyer scored 19 goals and assisted on 19 more to earn MLS Newcomer of the Year honors.

Amahl Pellegrino joined in a summer trade from San Jose and has since scored six times, including three MLS Cup Playoff goals.

Even so, head coach Mikey Varas is well aware that his team has few experiences in matches as big as Monday's contest. He's even grateful that his side needed all three matches to defeat Portland in its round one series.

"I think in the long run that was very

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