Expansion team no more, SDFC enters 2026 campaign with far higher expectations
Dante Ulanday - News Moderator 
As San Diego FC kicks off its second season at home against CF Montréal on Saturday, expectations are high after a memorable 2025.
SDFC had what turned out to be a historic rookie Major League Soccer season, finishing as the top seed in the conference along with setting records for most points (63) and most wins (19) ever by an expansion club. But the dream of lifting the MLS Cup was cut short in the conference final at the hands of the Vancouver Whitecaps.
“We set the bar really high, but still need to show up with humility knowing that our rivals will not play us the same way,” said SDFC midfielder Aníbal Godoy. “We have our mindset that we will have to compete at the highest level knowing there are plenty of games ahead that are very important.”
San Diego FC opens the 2026 regular season at +1300 to win the championship, according to online oddsmakers. That’s a marked improvement from the +6500 odds the team had entering its rookie season.
This improvement was undoubtedly influenced by having secured the services of reigning MLS Newcomer of the Year Anders Dreyer and head coach Mikey Varas for the next few years.
The controversy surrounding forward Hirving Chucky Lozano is still a nagging issue, however, with questions regarding his future only growing louder after Lozano was spotted practicing with the team as SDFC conducted two closed-door matches prior to beginning play in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
“We don’t see him as part of the long-term plans and so we’re looking to find a solution … but for us it’s not a distraction right now and we’re pushing forward,” SDFC sporting director and general manager Tyler Heaps said at the time.
With or without the services of the Mexican national team legend, the only player to score for San Diego FC in the conference final while coming in as a second half substitute, the club’s prospects remain high to avoid a “sophomore slump.”
SDFC starts the MLS season with momentum after advancing to the Round of 16 in the Concacaf Champions Cup. The team, after a 4-2 aggregate victory over Liga MX side Pumas UNAM, will face Toluca FC, also of Liga MX, in March.
San Diego’s core remains intact with forwards Amahl Pellegrino and Marcus Ingvartsen, midfielders Jeppe Tverskov and Aníbal Godoy and goalkeeper Pablo Sisniega. The goalie may have thrown his name into contention to be part of the Mexican national team World Cup squad thanks to his great performance in the Feb. 10 1-0 road defeat to Pumas UNAM.
Besides the regular season opener, supporters will have several other matches to circle on their calendars, including the first meeting versus their rival from the north, LAFC on May 2 at home. The much-anticipated rematch against Vancouver follows on May 23, also at Snapdragon Stadium.
Fans were denied a chance to see their team take on Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in the final due to the loss against the Whitecaps, but they can make travel plans to Florida for the Sept. 20 match against the defending champions.
“He brings a lot of joy and seriousness to MLS,” Godoy added. “We know Messi is a great player and one that signifies so much for the present and future of our league.”
