San Diego FC look to stay undefeated in MLS against Real Salt Lake
MLS
San Diego FC is undefeated in four MLS games to start the 2026 regular season. SDFC will look to keep that incredible run of form against Real Salt Lake at Snapdragon Stadium on Sunday, March 22.
San Diego is coming off a rough 4-0 loss to Toluca in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. That loss eliminated the Southern California side from the tournament as it looks to shift focus to the MLS campaign.
We’re back home 🏡 pic.twitter.com/B6aNsdemwd
— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) March 19, 2026
That loss was San Diego’s worst offensive showing of the year, but Mikey Varas’ side has been a powerhouse at home. SDFC has won all four games in all competitions at Snapdragon Stadium this year.
The Chrome and Azul side has outscored opponents 14-3 at the Mission Valley Fortress. This includes an impressive 3-2 win against Toluca in a game where Marcus Ingvartsen received an early red card.
San Diego missed Manu Duah and Ingvartsen against Toluca in the return-leg, but both are available for MLS play. Mikey Varas is set to have a full strength squad, as confirmed in the midweek training session.
San Diego lost 3-1 to Real Salt Lake at Snapdragon Stadium and defeated RSL 3-1 in Utah. Varas’ team will look for a positive result against a team that is on a three-game winning streak.
Salt Lake is coming off a 2-1 win against Austin and also has wins against Atlanta and Seattle in this span. All three of these games have been won by a narrow one-goal margin, as SDFC will try to keep it as close.
Aiden Hezarkhani has been the big surprise for RSL’s attack as the 18-year-old has scored two goals this season. This leads the team, as the success has been more of a collective effort in all areas of play.
The Utah-based club usually opts to concede possession on the road and will do so against a team like San Diego. Mikey Varas’ team is expected to control the sphere and will need to make the most out of that advantage.
One of the most revered players on RSL is team captain and goalkeeper Rafael Cabral. The veteran shot-stopper has had some impressive performances this season and will need to perform against a San Diego team that will test him.
While San Diego’s confidence may seem off after the Champions Cup elimination, there will be motivation to keep the undefeated start in MLS.
Anders Dreyer had one of his worst performances ever with SDFC against Toluca in the return-leg. The Danish player has been remarkable all season with two goals and three assists in four MLS games and will look to continue that form.
Young goalkeeper Duran Ferree also had a rough game in Mexico, but has kept three clean sheets in MLS play. The 19-year-old goalkeeper has been crucial for SDFC early on and will need to shake that bad game at the Estadio Nemesio Diez.
San Diego is the favorite at home and would really benefit from this win to truly shift the focus entirely on the MLS season.
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.