San Diego FC Routs Montréal 5-0 in Season Opener

Dominant performance sees SDFC pick up where they left off last season

Feb. 22, 2026 at 7:24am

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San Diego FC opened its second season as an MLS franchise with a resounding 5-0 victory over Montréal. The home team scored two goals in the first half and three more in the second, with each goal coming from a different player. SDFC was in control throughout, taking advantage after Montréal was reduced to 10 men in the second half.

Why it matters

San Diego FC was one of the best teams in MLS last season, while Montréal was one of the worst. This lopsided result suggests the two teams are likely to occupy similar positions in the league standings again this year, with SDFC emerging as a top contender and Montréal struggling.

The details

SDFC opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a header from center back Christopher McVey. They doubled their lead just before halftime when left winger Amahl Pellegrino scored. After Montréal had a player sent off early in the second half, SDFC took full advantage, with goals from Onni Valakari, Marcus Ingvartsen, and 18-year-old debutant Bryan Zamble.

  • The first goal came in the 14th minute.
  • The second goal came just before halftime.
  • Montréal was reduced to 10 men in the 50th minute.
  • SDFC scored their third goal 4 minutes after the red card.
  • The fourth and fifth goals came in the 59th and 85th minutes, respectively.

The players

Christopher McVey

SDFC center back who scored the opening goal.

Amahl Pellegrino

SDFC left winger who scored the second goal.

Onni Valakari

SDFC central midfielder who scored the third goal.

Marcus Ingvartsen

SDFC striker who scored the fourth goal.

Bryan Zamble

18-year-old SDFC striker making his MLS debut, scored the fifth goal.

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What they’re saying

“If you are hungry and focused, you will benefit.”

— Amahl Pellegrino (Times of San Diego)

“Nineteen years old, amazing. Very proud of him.”

— Mikey Varas, SDFC Head Coach (Times of San Diego)

“Overall, very happy for the group, but this is just one step in a very long journey.”

— Mikey Varas, SDFC Head Coach (Times of San Diego)

What’s next

SDFC will face St. Louis City SC on March 1 at Snapdragon Stadium. St. Louis opened their season with a 1-1 draw against Charlotte.

The takeaway

San Diego FC's dominant performance to open the season suggests they will be among the top contenders in MLS again this year, while Montréal appears poised to struggle as they did last season. The emergence of young players like Bryan Zamble also bodes well for SDFC's continued success.