If expectations were trophies, San Diego FC would already need a second cabinet at the Sharp HealthCare Performance Center.
After a historic inaugural season that felt like a night in Pacific Beach, equal parts beach party and bar fight, the club now enters its second season with something far heavier than expansion-draft optimism: belief.
And belief, as any seasoned follower of a professional sports league like Major League Soccer knows, is a tricky travel companion.
One minute, it’s riding shotgun with sunglasses on, blasting “California Love.” The next, it’s in the backseat asking why the left back hasn’t tracked his runner.
In its first season, SDFC was everyone’s plucky new darlings — the league’s sun-kissed startup with fresh kits and fearless pressing.
Mistakes were “learning moments.” Conceded late equalizers were “growth opportunities.” Finishing just shy of reaching the MLS Cup final? “Foundational.”
No more air quotes this season.
The expansion grace period has expired, like last year’s sunscreen. Opponents will circle this fixture differently. Fans will study the table more closely.
There’s no American city hungrier for a championship, outside of Buffalo perhaps. We crave a top-tier title like we crave fish tacos or a California burrito.
We need it like we need our potholes fixed (good luck traversing Miramar Road without a tank these days).
That’s the thing about expectations: they start as applause and quietly morph into a measuring stick.
In San Diego, where the surf is consistent and the weather rarely dips below perfect, the forecast for this club has changed. Sunshine is assumed. Success is demanded.
Here are 11 burning questions facing SDFC as its second season kicks off at home against CF Montréal on Saturday:
Will a “sophomore slump” materialize?
Outside of alliteration purposes, why are sophomores tied so closely to slumps? There’s no hard and fast rule a team has to take a step back after an impressive debut. Some do, sure, but dramatic regression isn’t expected here. SDFC’s infrastructure and relative roster continuity suggest stability. A top-four finish in the Western Conference is well within reach.
How will the Concacaf Champions Cup affect league form?
SDFC will face reigning Liga MX champion Toluca FC in the Round of 16 after a 4-2 aggregate victory over Pumas UNAM earlier this month. The first leg will be held at Snapdragon Stadium on March 11, the return leg a week later in Toluca. Balancing international competition and MLS play could test the squad’s depth and resilience, especially considering travel demands.
How will the Hirving “Chucky” Lozano saga conclude?
Your guess is as good as ours, but it will end sooner rather than later. SDFC’s short-term marketing loss and diminished star power could be counterbalanced by improved on-field chemistry.
Can Anders Dreyer maintain MVP-level play?
The MLS Newcomer of the Year and MVP runner-up will be the focal point for every opponent’s defensive game plan this season, especially with Lozano gone. Dreyer remains among the league’s most dangerous attackers and could be an MVP candidate again, though Miami’s Lionel Messi and Los Angeles FC’s Son Heung-min are favored. Even if his counting stats regress slightly, his chance creation and versatility should keep him in All-Star/MVP fringe conversations.
San Diego FC’s Manu Duah shows off all angles of the team’s new Unprecedented Unity kit. (San Diego FC)
How deep is the roster?
Availability could define the season. MLS parity punishes thin stretches, and a couple of simultaneous injuries in SDFC’s attack could reduce their dynamism.
How will new additions fit?
Speaking of staying healthy, Scottish winger Lewis Morgan could play a significant role in helping replace Lozano. Morgan only appeared in three matches with the New York Red Bulls last season before suffering a season-ending hip injury. In 2024, he produced 13 goals and five assists in 29 appearances. Newcomer Bryce Duke is expected to provide key midfield depth.
San Diego FC’s Tomas Angel and Marcus Ingvartsen hug after a goal against Club America during their match at Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday, June 7, 2025 in San Diego, CA. (Meg McLaughlin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Who steps up as the next go-to scorer?
Expect contributions from multiple attackers. If we had to pick one, it’d be Marcus Ingvartsen. Ingvartsen is essentially a new addition after being sidelined by injury for most of 2025. SDFC’s attack could evolve beyond last year’s proficiency if the Danish striker can become a consistent outlet for Dreyer’s prolific passes.
Can the defense remain elite?
Some back-line turnover introduces uncertainty. However, system discipline and SDFC’s pressing structure were the true backbone last year.
Fans celebrate after Amahl Pellegrino #90 of San Diego FC scored his second goal against the Portland Timbers during match three of the Western Conference Round One of the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs at Snapdragon Stadium on Nov. 9, 2025 in San Diego, California. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Will attendance and support stay strong?
Only Atlanta, Seattle and Charlotte had a higher average attendance in 2025. SDFC drew 28,064 fans per match to Snapdragon Stadium, well above the league average of 21,965.
How will SDFC’s rivalry with LAFC evolve?
LAFC is widely forecast as the favorite to win the Western Conference, which heightens the stakes. Head-to-head results may shape the Supporters’ Shield race. Expect tight, playoff-intensity matches, with the first one at Snapdragon on May 2. BMO Stadium hosts the second in L.A. on Aug. 15.
Can SDFC win the MLS Cup this year?
Most analysts are predicting Miami to repeat, assuming Messi stays healthy, but the azul and chrome are legitimate contenders. Their dominance last season proved the ceiling is championship level. An MLS Cup is plausible if SDFC’s health holds.