San Diego FC Advances in Champions Cup, Faces Toluca in Next Round

MLS club's progression in Concacaf Champions Cup highlights growing competitiveness against Liga MX teams.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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San Diego FC's recent progression in the Concacaf Champions Cup, despite a 1-0 defeat to Pumas UNAM, marks a significant moment for Major League Soccer. The victory, secured with a 4-2 aggregate score, highlights a growing trend: MLS clubs are becoming increasingly competitive on the continental stage. This isn't just about San Diego FC; it's about a shift in the balance of power within North American soccer.

Why it matters

San Diego FC's advancement in the Champions Cup is a testament to the growing competitiveness of MLS clubs against their Liga MX counterparts, which have historically dominated the regional tournament. This shift in the balance of power within North American soccer could have far-reaching implications for the sport's development and popularity in the region.

The details

The performance of Pablo Sisniega, San Diego FC's goalkeeper, was pivotal in their advancement. His eight saves against Pumas demonstrated the increasing importance of the goalkeeping position in modern soccer. Coach Mikey Varas highlighted Sisniega as 'a monster absolute for us,' underscoring the impact of a player stepping up in a crucial moment. San Diego FC's next opponent, Toluca, the defending Liga MX champions, presents a formidable challenge, as Liga MX teams have historically dominated the Concacaf Champions Cup. Overcoming Toluca will require San Diego FC to maintain their competitive edge and adapt to the unique style of play prevalent in Mexican soccer.

  • San Diego FC defeated Pumas UNAM 4-2 on aggregate in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
  • The match against Pumas UNAM took place on February 12, 2026.

The players

Pablo Sisniega

San Diego FC's goalkeeper, whose eight saves against Pumas UNAM were pivotal in their Champions Cup advancement.

Mikey Varas

The head coach of San Diego FC, who praised Sisniega's performance as 'a monster absolute for us.'

Toluca

The defending Liga MX champions, who will be San Diego FC's next opponent in the Concacaf Champions Cup.

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What they’re saying

“The sole experience will be gold for us.”

— Mikey Varas, Head Coach, San Diego FC

What’s next

San Diego FC will face Toluca, the defending Liga MX champions, in the next round of the Concacaf Champions Cup.

The takeaway

San Diego FC's progression in the Concacaf Champions Cup is a significant milestone for MLS, as it demonstrates the growing competitiveness of the league's clubs against their Liga MX counterparts, who have historically dominated the regional tournament. This shift in the balance of power within North American soccer could have far-reaching implications for the sport's development and popularity in the region.