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As San Diego FC prepares to kick off its second season in Major League Soccer (MLS) on Saturday night against CF Montreal, the team faces a new set of challenges following a record-setting inaugural year. The Danish winger Anders Dreyer, who was named the MLS Newcomer of the Year in 2025 after a stellar season, has swapped his flowing locks for a tight buzzcut, signaling a fresh start as the team looks to build on last year’s success.

Last season, SDFC finished atop the Western Conference, securing 63 points and 19 wins, both records for an expansion team. However, with heightened expectations and the pressure to improve, the team must navigate its sophomore season without the luxury of being an underdog. The only way to surpass last season’s achievements is to reach the MLS Cup final.

“Hopefully, we as a group, the players and the staff, can continue what we did last year,” Dreyer stated. “It’s going to be tough. The second year for a team is always tough.” He acknowledged that teams are now more prepared for SDFC’s unique style of play, which combines aggressive pressing with a strategic approach to breaking down defenses.

Head coach Mikey Varas echoed Dreyer’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the team’s competitive edge. “We won’t take anybody by surprise, right?” he remarked.

Building on Last Year’s Success

In their inaugural match last year, SDFC stunned the defending champion Los Angeles Galaxy with a 2-0 victory. They continued to impress throughout the season, ultimately reaching the Western Conference final, where they lost 3-1 to the Vancouver Whitecaps. This impressive performance has set a high bar for the team moving forward.

Despite the success, Varas is aware of the risks associated with complacency. “When you do something special or almost special, it can be a natural reaction for people to relax and say, ‘That was hard,'” he noted. “That’s just something we won’t accept.” The team is focusing on building a relentless pursuit of victory and improving on last season’s preparation methods.

Roster Changes and Challenges

Whereas the core roster remains largely intact, there have been notable changes. Mexican star Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, who earned $7.6 million last season, is technically still on the roster but is no longer part of the team’s plans as they look to transfer him. This situation has created a stalemate, as Lozano has expressed a desire to stay but has not been integrated into the team’s activities.

Another departure is central midfielder Luca de la Torre, who started 24 games last season but saw a reduced role during the playoffs. The team has brought in young talent, like 19-year-old Pedro Soma, who has stepped into a starting role. The acquisition of 29-year-old Scottish forward Lewis Morgan, who is recovering from injury, could provide valuable depth as the season progresses.

One of the more low-profile signings is defender Wilson Eisner, who was claimed off MLS waivers. With no prior MLS experience, Eisner has already shown promise, performing well in the Concacaf Champions Cup matches. These strategic moves reflect SDFC’s commitment to maintaining a competitive edge while developing young talent.

Adapting to Increased Scrutiny

As the season begins, SDFC faces the challenge of adapting to how opponents will approach them. With a year of film available, teams will be better prepared to counter SDFC’s aggressive style of play, which emphasizes a high press and quick transitions into attack. Captain Jeppe Tverskov acknowledged the require for the team to evolve, saying, “We’re going to face a lot of different ways teams are going to play against us, and that’s what you have to do as a club.”

Varas has spent the preseason focusing on tactical adjustments rather than solely on installing his system. He anticipates that teams will adopt extreme strategies—either pressing hard or playing defensively—to test SDFC’s adaptability. “We’re going to need to take the next steps in that because now everybody will have a full year of film on what we do,” he said.

What Lies Ahead for SDFC

The early part of the schedule appears favorable for SDFC, with their first three opponents projected to finish near the bottom of their respective conferences. However, the team must be vigilant, as they won’t face a top-five team until April 11 when they host Minnesota United. The added challenge of midweek games, due to their advancement in the Champions Cup, will also test the team’s depth, and stamina.

“It was a special year, but People can’t allow ourselves to drop right now,” Tverskov said, emphasizing the need for sustained effort as they strive to meet and exceed last season’s standards.

As SDFC embarks on this new chapter, fans will be watching closely to witness if the team can rise to the occasion and further establish itself in the competitive landscape of MLS. The season opener against CF Montreal is set for 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, and supporters are eager to see how the team performs under increased expectations.

For updates on San Diego FC’s journey in the 2026 MLS season, stay tuned and share your thoughts on the team’s progress in the comments below.