San Diego FC launched its second Major League Soccer (MLS) season with an emphatic 5-0 victory over CF Montreal at Snapdragon Stadium on February 21, 2026. The match showcased a stellar performance from Duran Ferree, who made his debut as a starting goalkeeper and achieved a clean sheet.
Ferree, a 19-year-old local talent from the now-defunct San Diego Loyal SC program, stepped in for Pablo Sisniega, who was serving a one-game suspension. With CJ dos Santos still recovering from an injury, Ferree seized the moment. His first save came in the fourth minute against Hennadii Synchuk, setting the tone for a strong defensive display throughout the match.
The home team struck first in the 14th minute, capitalizing on a corner kick. Anders Dreyer, known for his exceptional play in the previous season, delivered a precise assist to Chris McVey, who headed the ball past Montreal goalkeeper Thomas Gillier. Dreyer’s performance was notable; he had recorded 16 assists in 2025, trailing only Lionel Messi in the league.
As the game progressed, Ferree showcased his skills again in the 27th minute, expertly handling a corner kick from Dagur Thorhallsson, ensuring the team preserved its lead. The San Diego squad continued to apply pressure, and their dominance became evident just before halftime.
During first-half extra time, Dreyer initiated a breakaway that was initially thwarted by Gillier. Yet, Amahl Pellegrino, who joined the team last August, was quick to follow up and scored on the rebound, pushing the score to 2-0. Ferree’s efforts were crucial in the closing minutes of the first half, as he thwarted a shot from Olger Escobar, demonstrating his command in the goal.
As the second half unfolded, the match took a decisive turn when Montreal’s Tomas Aviles received a red card for a foul on Pellegrino, leaving the visitors a man down. In the 53rd minute, Onni Valakari took advantage of the situation, unleashing a powerful shot from outside the box, extending San Diego’s lead to 3-0.
The final goal came from Bryan Zamble, who had just signed with the club two days prior. The 18-year-old celebrated his first MLS goal by jumping into the stands to join the elated supporters, capping off an impressive debut for San Diego FC.
The match concluded with a clear display of San Diego FC’s potential this season, highlighted by an impressive teamwork and a strong performance from Duran Ferree, who now looks set to become a key figure in the team’s ambitions for the 2026 MLS Cup.