San Diego FC hosted FC Cincinnati for a game in the 2026 MLS regular season this Saturday, May 16.

SDFC broke a 10-game winless streak in all competitions with a massive 5-0 win over Austin FC this past Wednesday, May 13.

Mikey Varas took some big risks in that game, starting a very offensive-minded midfield consisting of David Vazquez, Pedro Soma, and Onni Valakari.

Varas surprisingly made some changes to the starting 11 against Cincinnati. Most notably, the young manager brought Anibal Godoy back in the lineup and started Pedro Soma on the bench.

Daygo’s starting XI pic.twitter.com/tvyKHM7vsW

— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) May 17, 2026

Veteran Amahl Pellegrino also came back in for Alex Mighte,n who started against Austin FC. The rest of the starting lineup was exactly the same as the one Varas deployed against Austin in the midweek contest.

Varas changes did not seem very justified to start the game as the visitors gained an early lead in the 11th minute. Evander sent a pinpoint pass from the middle of the park that found Kenji Mboma Dem on the left flank.

Dem made a stellar run into the box and was able to use his speed and power to score a shot past Duran Ferree.

Perfect set up, perfect finish! @fccincinnati take the lead!

📺 Apple TV: https://t.co/PmlPoFrfEo pic.twitter.com/D57R8JKBok

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 17, 2026

The visitors almost doubled their lead in the 27th minute when a shot by Evander was denied by Ferree. Samuel Gidi made quick work of the SDFC backline and was able to weave past it to send a pass to Evander.

This was a crucial save by the young goalkeeper, who has been in excellent form over the past three games. Shortly after this opportunity from Cincinnati, Anders Dreyer was denied by Roman Calentano.

SDFC continued to press the visitors, and that persistence paid off in the 32nd minute when Marcus Ingvartsen scored his 10th goal of the year. Kieran Sargeant sent in a cross to the Danish striker, who finished the scoring chance on a one-time strike.

Marcus Ingvartsen with the stunning finish to level it for @sandiegofc! pic.twitter.com/ZWuuUPdibD

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 17, 2026

SDFC controlled possession heavily in the first half, but each team seemed to have a similar number of clear scoring chances.

Cincinnati was able to get a quick start in the second half again as Tom Barlow gave the visitors a 2-1 lead. Barlow came off the bench for Miles Robinson and scored off a header from a corner kick by Evander.

This was Evander’s second assist of the game as the Brazilian midfielder really proved to be a nuisance against the Azul and Chrome team. San Diego kept on being persistent after this goal, and that paid off as Amahl Pellegrino tied the game in the 66th minute.

Mikey Varas made a key change at halftime that showed its dividends in this scoring play as Pedro Soma provided an assist on the goal. Soma came on for Anibal Godoy and provided a perfect through ball that found Pellegrino inside the box.

. @sandiegofc are level once again thanks to a confident finish from Amahl Pellegrino! pic.twitter.com/oNI40INCMP

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 17, 2026

Soma had a goal and an assist against Austin FC and came through with an important play in this match.

This was an exciting affair at Snapdragon Stadium, with both teams being able to take advantage of some of the miscues. San Diego kept on pushing to try and get a late-game winner and did score another goal in the final moments of the match.

Marcus Ingvartsen scored with seconds left on the clock, and this seemed to be the game-winner. However, Tom Barlow incredibly scored just moments after to tie the game 3-3.

This result felt like a loss to the players who were left on the floor in disappointment, absolutely shocked at the turn of events.

While SDFC was unable to provide another highly dominant display like the one against Austin FC, this was another step in the right direction. San Diego had some flaws in the backline, but showed the fight and perseverance that characterized the team in 2025.

Still, the disappointment was clear in the players’ actions after the game and in the reactions by fans around the stadium. Very loud boos and jeers followed Cincinnati’s tying goal, as this result certainly left a bitter taste. The inconsistencies that have made this such a tough season for SDFC were again very present in this match, despite the positives that came with the result.

San Diego FC is now undefeated in four consecutive games after enduring a 10-game winless streak. Snapdragon Stadium also felt very lively once again after attendance numbers had dropped a bit in recent games.

The big Anders Dreyer bobblehead giveaway helped with that, but the recent positive results also played a role. San Diego FC will play its last game before the World Cup break against the Vancouver Whitecaps on May 23.

Francisco Velasco

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.