San Diego FC returns to Major League Soccer on Sunday afternoon, when they host Real Salt Lake at Snapdragon Stadium.
The goal is simple: turn the page after a rough eight days.
San Diego FC (3-0-1) allowed a stoppage-time goal last Saturday at FC Dallas and settled for a 3-3 tie, marking their first non-victory of the young MLS season. And on Wednesday, SDFC fell 4-0 to Liga MX’s Toluca in the Concacaf Champions Cup’s round of 16, ending the club’s run through the tournament.
Coach Mikey Varas said Sunday is “about a statement of intention.”
“The rest of the season is really important,” he said, “and what an opportunity we have this weekend at home to send that message.”
Wednesday’s loss was truly hellish. Toluca FC, known as the Red Devils, plays at a stadium nicknamed “El Infierno” — “hell” — due to its 8,750-foot elevation.
San Diego won the first leg 3-2 at Snapdragon Stadium despite being reduced to nine men after two red cards. However, the return leg proved difficult, with Toluca advancing 6-3 on aggregate. SDFC was forced to play without forward Marcus Ingvartsen and defender Manu Duah, both of whom received red cards in the first leg.
“We left everything on the field,” Varas said. “We got a great fighting spirit about us. No excuse mentality in terms of having a short preparation and a shorter break, and still making a good run. At the same time, still some work to do to make that next step.”
One player to watch moving forward is 19-year-old goalkeeper Duran Ferree. While conceding four goals may look rough on paper, Ferree made seven saves in Toluca.
The first goal came in the 43rd minute when Ferree attempted to play out from the back to midfielder Aníbal Godoy. Toluca intercepted the pass, and Jesús Angulo scored.
“I think that overall, it was a really positive performance from him,” Varas said. “Taking the next steps in the detail (when to make) our longer passes and how we can get out of it. But overall, the guy made some incredible saves and was really brave in the match, and I will say (it’s) just a great stepping stone for him.”
A San Diego native who once played for the now-defunct San Diego Loyal SC, Ferree has made four starts for San Diego FC. He opened the season as the club’s least experienced goalkeeper; CJ dos Santos started most of last season in goal, and Pablo Sisniega stepped in when dos Santos was hurt.
Who will start Sunday? Varas said the process of selecting a goalkeeper comes down to choosing the one who “gives us the best chance of winning the game.”
Visiting Real Salt Lake (3-1-0) is coming off a 2-1 victory over Austin FC and has nine points through its first four matches. Forward Aiden Hezarkhani leads the team with two goals this season. The club also boasts a solid defense, having allowed just five goals so far.
On the other side, San Diego ranks second in the Western Conference with 11 goals scored in four matches. Ingvartsen and midfielder Onni Valakari have combined for six of those goals; both players have also added two assists each, contributing across the attack.
Both Varas and Ingvartsen emphasized the need to turn the page and not dwell on Wednesday night’s result. The team is healthy heading into Sunday, which is a minor victory on its own.
After experiencing “El Infierno” midweek, San Diego will be glad to return home to Snapdragon Stadium.
From hell, as it were, to paradise.
“We need to be confident, still believe in ourselves, and we’ve been starting well, playing good football, scoring a lot of goals,” Ingvartsen said. “This Concacaf shouldn’t break us down or anything. Just keep going.”
San Diego FC (3-0-1) vs. Real Salt Lake (3-1-0)
When: 4 p.m. Sunday
Where: Snapdragon Stadium
Streaming: AppleTV
Radio: 760-AM, 1700-AM (Spanish)