Cedric Bakambu scores on San Diego FC debut in MLS

MLS has another established striker to add to its growing list of headline arrivals. Cedric Bakambu, the former Real Betis forward, has joined San Diego FC and made an instant impression by scoring on his debut.

Another notable name in MLS

Robert Lewandowski has been one of the standout additions to MLS this summer after joining Chicago Fire, where he has already scored six league goals. His latest came in a 1-1 draw against Lionel Messi's Inter Miami.

But Lewandowski is no longer the only major attacking name to arrive in the league. Antoine Griezmann has also moved to Orlando City, while Bakambu became another eye-catching late-window addition when he signed for San Diego FC at the start of September.

From LaLiga to San Diego

Bakambu and Lewandowski are familiar names to one another from Spain. Over the last season and a half, both played in LaLiga, with Lewandowski at Barcelona and Bakambu at Real Betis.

Like the Poland captain, Bakambu became a free agent in the summer and was able to choose his next club without a transfer fee. The 35-year-old brings a substantial CV, including top-scorer honours in both China and Greece, although he did not secure his next move until early September.

San Diego FC confirmed his arrival on a short-term contract running only until the end of December.

Goal on debut despite defeat

Bakambu had to wait a little for his first appearance, but he was finally introduced on Thursday against San Jose Earthquakes. It was a difficult game for San Diego FC, who were already trailing 3-1 at half-time.

The striker came on in the 68th minute and still found time to make his mark. In stoppage time, he converted a penalty with a composed finish into the bottom corner to score his first goal for the club.

It was not enough to change the result, however, as San Diego FC went down 3-2. The California side sit ninth in the Western Conference, leaving them on the edge of the play-off places.

What Bakambu's arrival means

Bakambu's first outing offered an early glimpse of why San Diego moved for him late in the window. Even in a losing cause, he provided a clinical moment in front of goal and underlined the experience he can bring during the closing stretch of the season.

For MLS, his arrival adds another recognisable attacking figure to a league that continues to attract established names from European football. And for San Diego FC, the hope will be that Bakambu's sharp start can help push them upward in the Western Conference standings before his short-term deal expires.