San Diego FC had a strong season opener without Hirving Lozano.
Last year’s expansion club record holders for wins (19) and points (63) dominated their 2026 debut, beating Montreal 5-0. This win sets a positive tone for their upcoming match against St. Louis City SC.
Christopher McVey and Amahl Pellegrino scored in the first half. In the second half, Onni Valakari, Marcus Ingvartsen, and 18-year-old Bryan Zamble also found the net, leaving Montreal far behind.
Danish player Anders Dreyer, last year’s MLS Newcomer of the Year, provided two assists in the match.
“I’m really pleased with the team,” coach Mikey Varas stated. “But this is just the beginning of a long season ahead.”
Pellegrino also registered two assists. San Diego has already progressed to the Round of 16 in the Concacaf Champions Cup after a 4-1 win against Pumas in the first leg.
San Diego controlled 64.1% of the possession, had 12 shots compared to Montreal’s 6, and outperformed them in shots on goal with 8 to 2.
“We stayed focused on our plan to create space and attack,” Varas added.
Lozano, who scored nine goals and made ten assists last season, will not be part of the team’s future plans.
In their inaugural season, San Diego reached the Western Conference final and still has a strong appeal.
St. Louis experienced a successful debut a few seasons ago but has missed the playoffs for the last two years.
New coach Yoann Damet oversaw a promising home opener against Charlotte last week, where St. Louis had the edge in possession, shots, and corner kicks, but the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Marcel Hartel scored first for St. Louis in the 60th minute, assisted by Simon Becher.
“We should celebrate small victories,” Damet said. “Hartel being our first scorer is a good start, and I’m pleased for him.”
Pep Biel equalized for Charlotte shortly after, leaving St. Louis searching for more.
“Offensively, our buildup was solid and we created chances,” Damet noted. “We need to find ways to generate even more opportunities. There’s always room for improvement.”