San Diego FC broke records and managed to create one of the most enthusiastic and proud communities in all of Major League Soccer in just their first season. Two days before their home opener against Montréal on Feb. 21, head coach Mikey Varas, team captain Jeppe Tverskov, and midfielder Anders Dreyer shared their enthusiasm and knowledge with the press after their training session for the 2026 season. 

Head Coach Mikey Varas

Mikey Varas is a former assistant coach of the United States men’s national team and the current head coach of San Diego FC. Under Varas’ orchestration, last year — which was the team’s inaugural season — broke records and led to a phenomenal first season. His leadership led the team to the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs Western Conference Final, and he set an MLS expansion team record for most points and wins in an inaugural season. After setting expectations so high, what should be anticipated for the 2026 season? 

“The expectations are that we help strengthen the roots that we laid, the foundation we laid last year, and that every single person involved from the moment they get out of their car to the moment they get back in their car every day in this [training] facility gives everything to make sure that that happens,” said Varas.

During an eventful season, many obstacles may be faced, but what really matters is how they learn and strengthen from them

“We’ve been through things together, and I think that’s already one step in the right direction,” Varas said. “I think we’re really clear on different ways teams might approach playing us. Our shape is a lot more compact than other shapes. It’s a little bit different than other teams. So you can’t expect them to play us the same exact way.”

Anders Dreyer

In his second season with MLS, Anders Dreyer had a remarkable debut. In the 2025 regular season, he recorded 38 goal contributions, tying the MLS first-year record. After such a prominent 2025 season, there are now plenty of expectations from the public. Dreyer explained how his playing style is only improving and there is still a great deal of skill that hasn’t been revealed.

“I have a lot more to show, and I’m preparing, and I’m ready for that. The most important thing for me is that we win games and compete in the top bracket,” Dreyer said. 

Dreyer knows that other teams see him as a serious threat. After how well the team played in their inaugural season, San Diego FC is definitely the team to look out for. 

“I think people will probably watch some of the games from last season,” Dreyer said. “Last year, we were riding a little bit on that wave that everything was going great and all that, and now we start a new season as a winner of the West Conference last year. So of course, we cannot slack, we have to keep going and work hard, especially out here.”

Home Opener

After goalkeeper CJ dos Santos’ injury last season against Portland, and Pablo Sisniega receiving a red card at the Western Conference final for the MLS Cup, a big change has been made for the upcoming match on Saturday, which is especially good news for 19-year-old goalkeeper Duran Ferree. 

“We’re going to start Duran at goal,” Varas said. “The reason is that CJ is still in a return-to-play protocol…  CJ’s main priority is getting back because it was a serious injury and he missed a lot of training time. He needs time to readapt his body, the speed of play and just the positional needs that he has. He’s definitely going to get there. And then once he does, it’s going to be a pure competition again. ” 

Dreyer also showed his exhilaration for the younger teammates to have a chance on the pitch.

“The youth: they are the future,” he said. “It’s so nice [having them], and I know for sure that more young guys will be able to take that step and it’s just a matter of who. But it’s nice to have a lot of good talent in the squad. It makes it tough for the older guys to handle them on the pitch because they’re so good.”

Team Captain Jeppe Tverskov is the team’s defender. He may not be upfront the whole time, but that hasn’t stopped him from scoring goals.

“I’ve been doing this for a while,” Tverskov said. “For the first game, you kind of feel the lead-up [to the game]. The videos and all the data take two, three, or four more weeks than usual because you have so long. We kind of have an idea what they’ll bring, so it’s up to us.”

Last season’s home opener on March 1, 2025, set an attendance record of a whopping 34,506. Having all of the fans back in the stands is a feeling like no other. With the loud chants and unison of the crowd, Dreyer commented on his excitement for the home opener. 

“I know we will keep playing the same way of football. Excite people, and hopefully it’s going to be a nice first home opener against Montreal,” Dreyer said. “It’s going to be tough, we know that, but I’m also looking forward to seeing all the fans again and feeling the energy from them. They know how important they are for us, so I’m looking forward to it.”

This Saturday, San Diego FC will hold its home opener against Montréal at Snapdragon Stadium at 7:30 p.m.