San Diego FC to start teen goalkeeper in season opener

19-year-old with limited MLS experience to start due to injury to regular starter

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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San Diego FC will start a 19-year-old goalkeeper with just 10 minutes of Major League Soccer experience in their season opener on Saturday night at Snapdragon Stadium. This is due to an injury suffered by their regular starting goalkeeper, CJ dos Santos, who suffered an orbital floor fracture below his left eye during a playoff game on November 1.

Why it matters

This is an unusual situation for San Diego FC, as they will be relying on an inexperienced and untested goalkeeper to start their season. It raises questions about the team's depth and preparedness, as well as the long-term impact of dos Santos' injury on the club's performance.

The details

CJ dos Santos, San Diego FC's regular starting goalkeeper, suffered an orbital floor fracture below his left eye during a playoff game on November 1. He sustained the injury in a game against Portland. With dos Santos sidelined, the club will turn to a 19-year-old goalkeeper who has only 10 minutes of MLS experience to start their season opener on Saturday night.

  • On November 1, CJ dos Santos suffered an orbital floor fracture below his left eye in a playoff game against Portland.
  • On November 29, San Diego FC announced that the 19-year-old goalkeeper will start the season opener on Saturday night.

The players

CJ dos Santos

San Diego FC's regular starting goalkeeper who suffered an orbital floor fracture below his left eye during a playoff game on November 1.

19-year-old goalkeeper

An inexperienced goalkeeper who will start the season opener for San Diego FC due to dos Santos' injury, having only 10 minutes of MLS experience.

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What’s next

The team will monitor dos Santos' recovery and determine if he can return to the starting lineup in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

San Diego FC's reliance on an untested 19-year-old goalkeeper to start the season highlights the importance of roster depth and the challenges teams can face when key players suffer injuries, especially at critical positions like goalkeeper.