San Diego FC opens 2nd MLS season to build on historic 2025

After a record-breaking expansion season, San Diego FC looks to take the next step in 2026

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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San Diego FC is preparing to open its second season in Major League Soccer after a historic inaugural campaign in 2025. The expansion club set MLS records for points and wins by a first-year team, advancing to the Western Conference Championship. Led by MVP finalist Anders Dreyer, who had 19 goals and 19 assists, San Diego FC is confident it can build on that success and be even better in 2026.

Why it matters

San Diego FC's remarkable debut season has generated significant excitement in the city, which is eager to see the team take the next step in its development. As an expansion club, San Diego FC's ability to sustain its high level of play will be closely watched as a test of the league's parity and the viability of new markets.

The details

San Diego FC opens the 2026 season on the road against Montreal, who had one of the worst records in MLS last year. The team will be without starting goalkeeper Pablo Sisniega due to a red card suspension, so 19-year-old Duran Ferree, a San Diego native, will make his first career MLS start in goal. Head coach Mikey Varas has expressed confidence in Ferree's ability to step up in a big moment.

  • San Diego FC played its first-ever match in February 2025 against the LA Galaxy.
  • San Diego FC set MLS records for points and wins by an expansion team in the 2025 season.
  • San Diego FC opens the 2026 season on Saturday, February 22 against Montreal.

The players

Jeppe Tverskov

The captain of San Diego FC, who says the team's chemistry and relationships are now well-established heading into the second season.

Anders Dreyer

The MVP finalist in 2025 who had 19 goals and 19 assists, and believes he has even more to show in 2026.

Duran Ferree

The 19-year-old San Diego native who will make his first career MLS start in goal with the suspension of Pablo Sisniega.

Mikey Varas

The head coach of San Diego FC, who has expressed confidence in Ferree's ability to step up in a big moment.

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What they’re saying

“We feel very confident that the relations now are kind of set and built in. So, yeah, the performances and results hopefully also should come, based on that.”

— Jeppe Tverskov, Captain (nbcsandiego.com)

“No, I think I have a lot more to show. And I'm ready for that. Of course, last was very good. I know that, but I hope, and I believe that I can keep it up.”

— Anders Dreyer (nbcsandiego.com)

“He's a top young player. H stepped into some tough situations in games and he made big saves. That's part of the reason he's getting this opportunity. Duran has showed us that he's more than a capable goalkeeper, and we really trust him. He's got a great demeanor for the big moment. You can tell that he's calm under pressure and he's really excited to show his hometown what he's got.”

— Mikey Varas, Head Coach (nbcsandiego.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

San Diego FC's historic 2025 season has set high expectations for the club's second year in MLS. With a talented roster led by MVP finalist Anders Dreyer, and the emergence of young goalkeeper Duran Ferree, the team is poised to build on its success and potentially make a deeper playoff run in 2026.