Three SDFC standouts from their 2–0 win over St. Louis

SAN DIEGO -- San Diego FC began the 2026 MLS season with another shutout victory. Following their record-breaking inaugural season, the club now has a +7 goal differential through two matches. They opened the season with a dominant 5-0 win over CF Montréal.

Then, just three minutes into the match against St. Louis City SC on Sunday night at Snapdragon Stadium, Anders Dreyer scored his first goal of the season. It was a Danish connection between Dreyer and Marcus Ingvartsen—the first of two of the night.

Ingvartsen wisely tapped it to Dreyer, and his immediate left-footed shot was out of the reach of St. Louis goalkeeper Roman Bürki. In the 54th minute, they swapped roles. The 2025 MLS Newcomer of the Year penetrated the attacking third, evading several defenders, and beautifully set up his teammate for the score.

“He managed to work his way through the side, and I’m turning around on his right side,” Ingvartsen said, breaking down his goal. “I get this really great pass that kills the defensive line.”

For what it’s worth, San Diego currently sits on top of the MLS table through two matches. Across all 2026 competitions, the team has 10 different goal scorers. They continue to find different ways to put the ball in the net, defend at an elite level, and have looked poised in every match.

Here are three standout San Diego FC players from last night’s match:

Anders Dreyer continues to shine, joins elite MLS company.

There’s no telling where San Diego FC would be right now if it weren’t for its Danish star winger. Dreyer, the team’s lone active designated player, has been sensational since he arrived in America's Finest City. He led SDFC in goals and assists last season, setting an MLS expansion record with most wins (19) and points (63).

The 27-year-old became the second-fastest player in MLS history to record 20 goals and 20 assists, behind Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi (26 regular-season games). Dreyer reached this mark in 36 games.

He’s always had a team-first mentality, and his response to this accomplishment postgame should not come as a surprise: “It all starts with my teammates, they know where to find me in the pocket or behind—and I’m also lucky that they kick it into the goal when they get the chance.”

Varas said Dreyer has been training at a phenomenal level—“Like a guy who is playing a final during the training sessions. He’s just an incredibly talented player who gives everything for his teammates.”

“El Paletero” earned a spot on the league’s second edition of the Team of the Matchday with his goal and assist. Dreyer has four goal contributions in two MLS matches—an MVP-level start.

Marcus Ingvartsen returns to form. Can he continue this high-level play?

Following an injury-riddled 2025 campaign, Ingvartsen was written off by many, and the striker position was viewed as the weakest in the starting XI. He only appeared in eight matches, logging 403 minutes last season.

The 30-year-old Dane has already matched his goal total from last season (2) and has two assists. This is by far the best version of Ingvartsen we’ve seen. If he continues this form and remains healthy, San Diego will boast a prominent attack. He may be the biggest X-Factor this season.

Even when sidelined, Dreyer mentioned postgame that Ingvartsen helped a lot during meetings since he understands the Right to Dream system. Ingvartsen is one of the four academy graduates on the squad.

During last week's media availability, Varas mentioned that it's been a "very difficult journey" for the veteran forward. He is now performing at the level the club anticipated when they signed him.

Duran Ferree gets a consecutive start and earns another clean sheet.

San Diego entered the MLS season with two of its goalkeepers unavailable: CJ dos Santos was not quite ready following his cheekbone injury, and Pablo Sisniega was suspended due to receiving a red card in the Western Conference final.

“Circumstances opened the door for Duran,” Varas said about the 19-year-old Del Norte High graduate. In his first MLS start, Ferree recorded two saves and shut out Montréal. Leading up to the second matchday, Varas did not reveal who would start in goal.

Since its inception, the head coach has emphasized competition as a core value. Varas rewarded the former San Diego Loyal SC goalkeeper with another start after his strong performance, despite having all options available.

“That healthy embracing of competition is only going to lead to the team being stronger and the squad being bigger,” Varas told the media postgame.

Ferree looked comfortable yet again as the starter, securing another clean sheet against St. Louis. His coach said he had back-to-back fantastic games, complimenting his composure, range of passing, and ability to defend the opposing team’s man-to-man press.

Kieran Sargeant had the best defensive highlight of the night, clearing the ball off the line to keep the visiting team scoreless. Sargeant, the 22-year-old acquired in the offseason, has played well in his two starts with the club.

San Diego FC faces a positive dilemma in its goalkeeper situation. Sisniega, who made nine saves in their second match against Pumas UNAM in the Concacaf Champions Cup, recently signed a contract extension with the club. Varas acknowledged that Sisniega is still a viable option, but it seems like it's Ferree’s job until he falters.