San Diego FC opened its 2026 MLS season in emphatic fashion Saturday night, routing CF Montréal 5-0 before a crowd of 25,412 fans at Snapdragon Stadium — sending an early message that the club has no intention of experiencing a sophomore slump.

Five different players scored in the victory. The opening goal came in the 14th minute when defender Christopher McVey headed in a corner kick from forward Anders Dreyer. SDFC extended the lead to 2-0 just before halftime when Amahl Pellegrino finished a blistering counter-attack orchestrated by Dreyer, sending the team into the locker room in control.

The match turned decisively in the second half after CF Montréal defender Tomás Avilés received a red card — confirmed by Video Assistant Referee review — for a dangerous tackle on Pellegrino. With the man advantage, the floodgates opened. Onni Valakari scored in the 53rd minute on a layoff from Marcus Ingvartsen, who added his own goal six minutes later. Eighteen-year-old academy product Bryan Zamblé, a Right to Dream graduate, capped the rout in the 85th minute just four minutes after entering the pitch.

A highlight subplot involved 19-year-old San Diego native Duran Ferree, who stepped into the starting goalkeeper role after the club's primary starter, CJ dos Santos, remained sidelined with a fractured cheekbone and concussion, and backup Pablo Sisniega was serving a suspension. Ferree delivered a flawless performance with two critical saves. Head coach Mikey Varas praised the team's focus and the impact of the club's young players as SDFC looks to build on its 2025 Western Conference success.

SDFC's next home match is Sunday, March 1 at Snapdragon Stadium against St. Louis CITY SC at 6:15 p.m. The first 25,000 fans in attendance will receive an SDFC football jersey courtesy of Sycuan Casino Resort. Tickets are available at SanDiegoFC.com.