Pablo Sisniega shines as San Diego FC advance in CONCACAF Champions Cup
Credit: SDFC
San Diego FC played the return-leg of their series against Pumas UNAM in the CONCACAF Champions Cup this Tuesday, February 10. SDFC visited the Estadio Olimpico Universitario with a massive 4-1 lead gained at Snapdragon Stadium.
Mikey Varas used the exact same starting 11 that he deployed in the first leg of this series. Pablo Sisniega was in between the sticks. Luca Bombino, Manu Duah, Christopher McVey, and Wilson Eisner made up the backline. The midfield was comprised of Jeppe Tverskov, Anibal Godo,y and Pedro Soma.
San Diego FC is looking to clinch the series! ⚡ pic.twitter.com/FxgPK6w4k7
— Concacaf Champions Cup (@TheChampions) February 11, 2026
While Marcus Ingvartsen, Amahl Pellegrino, and Anders Dreyer made up the attacking three.
The game script went as expected, as Pumas was obligated to be very aggressive and offensive-minded from the gate. SDFC opted for a calm and conservative approach in the lead, but still had a few key scoring chances in the first half.
However, Amahl Pellegrino’s finishing was not on point, and he hit the post twice in the opening 45 minutes. Keylor Navas was able to get a glove on one of those shots, while the other was a miss in front of the net.
Pumas UNAM had a busy first half with 13 shots, but only three on target. Goalkeeper Pablo Sisniega was absolutely key in this match and really shined in the 26th minute with a save on a one-on-one against Pumas’ Juninho.
While SDFC could have come away with the lead from the first half, the scoreless result was still a very favorable result with the massive advantage.
¡Pedro Vite reduce la diferencia en el global (2-4)! 👊 pic.twitter.com/2X2FSq06cg
— Concacaf Champions Cup (@TheChampions) February 11, 2026
Pumas began the second half with that same sense of urgency and were able to finally score in the 46th minute. Pedro Vite scored off a free kick from the right flank. The ball seemed to be a cross, but nobody was able to get to the sphere and it ended up bouncing and finding the back of the net.
This odd play turned out to be the only time Sisniega was beat and the only goal of the game. The Mexican goalkeeper finished the game with eight saves and was one of the main reasons SDFC came away with the result from Mexico City.
Pumas’ finishing was also a contributing factor, with six shots on target in the second half, but nothing to show for it. Pumas controlled 72-percent of possession in the second half, and SDFC had to play a solid defensive game.
San Diego FC played a necessary, but seemingly uncomfortable game, as this team is always more comfortable controlling the ball. However, this team showed it is capable of switching the game plans and defending a lead in a series like this.
Manu Duah and Christopher McVey were tested defensively as the pair combined for 21 clearances in the match. Duah had an impressive 14 clearances on his own and was really one of the key standouts in this match.
Mikey Varas also went conservative with most of his adjustments, bringing on Kieran Sargeant and Ian Pilcher to close out the game. Despite the lack of possession, Jeppe Tverskov still saw a lot of the ball, but his pass accuracy was not on point.
The SDFC captain was pressured constantly and only completed 56 passes from 74 attempts, which is way below his usual average. However, Tverskov also made a great defensive effort in this match with nine clearances, five recoveries, and two blocked shots.
This was a game where other facets of this team shined, which will be necessary for a successful 2026 MLS campaign. For now, San Diego advances to the next round of the Champions Cup and will face current Liga MX champions Toluca.
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.