Marcus Ingvartsen contributed one goal and one assist as San Diego FC began the season with a commanding 5-0 win against CF Montreal on Saturday night.
Other goals for San Diego came from Christopher McVey, Amahl Pellegrino, Onni Valakari, and Bryan Zamble. San Diego FC, which won the Western Conference last season, is in its second year. Anders Dreyer, a finalist for MVP last season, provided two assists.
Goalkeeper Duran Ferree recorded two saves while achieving a shutout in his first start.
Montreal played down a player for more than 40 minutes after Tomas Aviles received a red card.
Montreal’s goalkeeper, Thomas Gillier, made three saves during the match.
San Diego outshot Montreal 12-6, with eight shots on target compared to two for the visitors.
McVey opened the scoring in the 14th minute when Dreyer’s corner kick led to a goal that touched McVey before entering the net.
Pellegrino extended the lead to 2-0 in the second minute of first-half stoppage time. After Gillier saved Dreyer’s powerful shot, the ball fell to Pellegrino, who scored.
Montreal’s hopes of a comeback diminished quickly after Aviles was sent off.
Three minutes later, Valakari scored from outside the box, shooting just under the crossbar to make it 3-0.
In the 59th minute, Ingvartsen added to the lead with a left-footed shot from outside the box.
Zamble completed the victory with a goal in the 85th minute after his shot deflected off Gillier’s hand.
Ferree started in goal for San Diego because starter CJ dos Santos is not yet cleared to play following a facial injury from a collision against the Portland Timbers on November 1. Dos Santos fractured his cheekbone and an orbital bone.
Additionally, backup goalie Pablo Sisniega was serving a red card suspension from a playoff match against Vancouver on November 29.