San Diego FC looks to keep perfect MLS start at FC Dallas
Credit: MLS
San Diego FC will play its second road game of the 2026 MLS season this Saturday, March 14, against FC Dallas.
SDFC will play at Toyota Stadium for just the second time in franchise history to face an inconsistent FC Dallas side.
San Diego picked up a massive 5-0 win in Toyota Stadium last year and will be looking for a similar result this year. Anders Dreyer had a tremendous performance against Dallas in that 5-0 win with a goal and two assists. Onni Valakari also shone with a goal and an assist off the bench against the Texas-based club.
On the road again 🤠 pic.twitter.com/8efiOnxmiQ
— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) March 13, 2026
San Diego is coming off a midweek bout against Liga MX champs’ Toluca at Snapdragon Stadium. It was a physically draining game for both sides, and now the Southern California side will be playing its fourth game in the last 22 days.
Both Marcus Ingvartsen and Manu Duah received red cards in the game against Toluca, but will be available for this game. SDFC pulled off an unexpected 3-2 win against Toluca in seemingly miraculous fashion.
The win was extremely unexpected due to the red card to Ingvartsen in just the 12th minute. Mikey Varas’ team continues to display this ability to adapt and overcome adversity in tough situations.
Mikey Varas initial words after the 3-2 win against Toluca. Talked about the game plan after the red card. @EVT_News pic.twitter.com/FS5gwKKphP
— Francisco Velasco (@FranciscoEfV) March 12, 2026
“I think anybody who was in the stadium will remember this night because the team not only found a way to get the result, but they found a way to continue imposing themselves when a lot of things went against us tonight,” said Varas.
San Diego has plenty of forward momentum heading into this match and is the heavy favorite. Varas’ team has not run into much adversity in MLS play, winning all three games in league play.
SDFC has inclusively not allowed a single goal in league play as Duran Ferree has kept three clean sheets. Ferree surprisingly received the start against Toluca and is clearly the No. 1 option for Varas in net at the moment.
Anibal Godoy received some rest in the last MLS game against Kansas City and was unavailable to play against Toluca. The veteran midfielder will be well rested to get some minutes in this match in Dallas.
Varas has not moved his lineup around too much, and it will be interesting to see if the starting 11 stays the same after the physically taxing game against the Liga MX side.
Dreyer scored yet again as he has provided a goal contribution in five of six games played this year. Ingvartsen had a nice start to the season with four goal contributions in MLS play, and this will be a good opportunity to bounce back after the red card in the Champions Cup.
Anders Dreyer banger against Toluca to make it 3-1! 🚨@SanDiegoFC | @TheChampions pic.twitter.com/MjGoqqROpb
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 12, 2026
SDFC still has to worry about the return-leg against Toluca on March 1,8 and this may be a good opportunity to rest some key players. Varas did not do this against Kansas City last week, but may need to change his approach against Dallas.
Lewis Morgan received about a half hour on the pitch against Toluca and may receive more playing time in the weeks to come. FC Dallas is coming off a 1-0 loss to LAFC and has been shut out in consecutive games.
Petar Musa scored 19 goals last season and will be the key player to watch in Dallas’ attack. The other components of this squad tend to be very inconsistent, showcased by the 16th-place finish last year on the general MLS table.
San Diego has the stronger side and has not been fazed away from home. The perfect start to the MLS season is expected to continue at Toyota Stadium this Saturday.
Francisco, 28, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego FC, San Diego Wave. I have covered Liga MX, MLS, Mexico National Team, USWNT, Copa América and European clubs like Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund.