San Diego FC set to play Real Salt Lake at America First Stadium
Credit: Cedric Jones (CedJay Photography)/EVT Sports
San Diego FC will travel to America First Stadium in Salt Lake City to play Real Salt Lake on Saturday, March 8.
One week after San Diego FC’s historic home opener at Snapdragon Stadium, the team will take on former MLS Cup champions (2009), Real Salt Lake. SDFC will be without Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, who suffered a hamstring injury in the first half of last week’s game. The fan favorite’s absence will be missed, but Mikey Varas does not sound worried.
How will SDFC adapt without Chucky?
Mikey Varas: “When you sub a player in and sub a player out, the dynamic of the team will change. Our overall style of play, nothing changes.”@EVT_News pic.twitter.com/aeVFAICu8c
— Sebastian Sanchez (@Ssanchez_16) March 6, 2025
Emmanuel Boateng replaced Chucky during the match against St. Louis, but this week’s starting front three still remains unknown.
Both Lozano and Colombian defender Andrés Reyes’s injuries are being monitored on a “week to week” basis. The back line (Negri, McNair, McVey, and Loeffelsend) will likely remain unchanged from the previous two games.
Right-back Jasper Loeffelsend, who played for Real Salt Lake in 2022 and 2023, looks forward to playing against his former team with, San Diego FC. Jasper’s insight into Real Salt Lake’s home-field advantage will help San Diego FC prepare to compete high above sea level.
Jasper Löffelsend played for Real Salt Lake and understands the challenges of competing at high altitudes. America First Field is 4,450 feet above sea level.
“We’ve got to be prepared for that mentally and physically. I feel like our style of play is good for that.” @EVT_News pic.twitter.com/BnywLo5X2p
— Sebastian Sanchez (@Ssanchez_16) March 7, 2025
Real Salt Lake won their last game against the Seattle Sounders 2-0 after a 4-0 defeat to San Jose. The past two years, Real Salt Lake has made the playoffs and will pose a challenge to San Diego FC.
SDFC look to extend their clean sheet after defeating LA Galaxy 2-0 and drawing against St. Louis. Midfielders Godoy, Tverkson, and de la Torre aim to control the game’s possession, limiting the opponent’s attacking opportunities. In addition, CJ dos Santos has been impressive at shot-stopping and at coordinating the defensive line.
Real Salt Lake’s dangerous counterattack style will test San Diego FC’s defensive record and make for an exciting game. Captain Jeppe Tverkson, along with the rest of the team, is optimistic about San Diego FC’s upcoming performance.
Jeppe Tverskov, SDFC captain, has talked to Jasper Löffelsend about playing Real Salt Lake. Tverskov viewed it as “normal game preparation.”
The roster has changed significantly since Löffelsend was there. @EVT_News pic.twitter.com/6GC7oKBiUd
— Sebastian Sanchez (@Ssanchez_16) March 6, 2025
Jenny is a San Diego native, athlete, and local sports fanatic. She covers San Diego FC and San Diego Wave.