San Diego FC is set to return to MLS action this Saturday, April 5, 2026, facing a formidable challenge against the San Jose Earthquakes at PayPal Park. This road test follows the international break, which Head Coach Mikey Varas utilized for crucial training sessions after a demanding start to the season for SDFC. The San Jose Earthquakes, currently in third place in the Western Conference, are riding a three-game winning streak and present a significant hurdle for San Diego FC, who are just one point behind in fourth place and remain undefeated this season, as reported by 10news.com.
The Earthquakes’ strong performance is partly attributed to the offseason acquisition of German international Timo Werner. While Werner has yet to score, his presence injects a dynamic element into San Jose’s offensive strategy. Werner has contributed two assists in two appearances for the Earthquakes, following a quiet period with minimal impact across two previous clubs, including RB Leipzig. His availability for the upcoming match is currently questionable.
San Jose has also refined its tactical approach, moving away from strict man-marking to a more balanced defensive structure. This shift maintains their preference for high tempo and vertical play but with enhanced defensive discipline and positional organization.
San Diego FC faces considerable defensive challenges for this crucial encounter. Christopher McVey is suspended after receiving a red card in the previous match against Real Salt Lake, paving the way for Osvaldo Soe to step into the starting lineup. Soe, who has seen limited playing time this season, now has a prime opportunity to demonstrate his reliability, especially with Manu Duah and McVey typically anchoring the back line.
Adding to McVey’s suspension, San Diego FC is grappling with a lengthening injury list. Alejandro Alvarado, Andrés Reyes, and Kieran Sargent remain sidelined. Furthermore, Pablo Sisniega, Ian Pilcher, and Amahl Pellegrino will also be unavailable for this weekend’s game.
Coach Mikey Varas is tasked with making a critical decision regarding Pellegrino’s replacement. Potential candidates include Lewis Morgan, who is gradually regaining form, or Alex Mighten, a more natural wide player. There is also a possibility that young Bryan Zamble, despite limited minutes, could be given an opportunity to showcase his impressive condition for his age.
The international break provided a valuable period for the team to regroup. Coach Varas highlighted the benefit of having “an opportunity to get back on the training pitch after we had five games in 16 days, six games in 21 days. So, it’s not a lot of training. It’s been really good. The guys have responded really well, and they’ll be ready to go,” according to his statement to ABC 10News.
Star player Anders Dreyer has rejoined the team after a disheartening experience with his home country, Denmark, which failed to qualify for the World Cup following a penalty shootout loss. Despite providing an assist to tie the match, Dreyer’s penalty kick was blocked. Coach Varas commended Dreyer, stating, “It’s only people who are brave and talented who take the risks to make a difference in life, and I think he represented San Diego really well.”
Lewis Morgan, a new SDFC forward and MLS veteran, also lauded Dreyer’s performance, remarking, “I thought he was brilliant in the game. He’s someone we’re lucky to have here.” Morgan, who is expected to play an increasingly significant role, expressed his admiration for the club’s rapid development, noting, “It doesn’t feel like a new club. All the guys have done so well up to this point, and we’re really looking forward to taking the next steps.”
The upcoming match is crucial for San Diego FC as they aim to climb the Western Conference standings. The Earthquakes are currently tied for second with 12 points, while SDFC holds 11 points from three wins and two draws. Morgan encapsulated the team’s objective: “So far we’re five games into the season. We’ve not lost yet, and we’re trying to make that six.”