The 49ers drove to San Diego's 33-yard line in the closing seconds, but rather than try for a long field goal that could have sent the game into overtime, San Francisco went for a touchdown on the final play. Shaun Hill's pass into the end zone, however, was intercepted.

Delanie Walker scored on a 101-yard kickoff return for the 49ers and Alex Smith put San Francisco in front in the third period with an 11-play, 90-yard drive that ended with a 22-yard pass to Billy Bajema.

San Diego, which finished the exhibition season at 3-1, will begin the regular campaign at home against Carolina. San Francisco (2-2) will play host to Arizona.