San Diego FC’s depth will be tested in friendly against Club América

San Diego FC’s season of firsts continues Saturday at Snapdragon Stadium.

SDFC is billing its friendly match against Club América as the winningest club in North America vs. the newest club in North America.

The Mexico City giant’s history dates to 1916. Club América, which plays in Mexico’s top-tier Liga MX, has won a record 16 league titles.

The crowd at the 32,500-seat Mission Valley stadium could approach a sellout because of Club América’s popularity. Not all of the fans will be cheering for the locals.

“Probably a lot of away fans because it’s such a big club in all of North America,” SDFC coach Mikey Varas said. “You’ve got to be ready.”

Ready or not, for SDFC, which is hoping to showcase its depth.

The match coincides with an international call-up period, and several of the Major League Soccer expansion team’s starters will be missing.

Forward Anders Dreyer (Denmark), midfielders Anibal Godoy (Panama) and Onni Valakari (Finland) and defenders Paddy McNair (Northern Ireland), Luca de la Torre (U.S.) and Luca Bombino (U.S. under-20) will all be playing for their national teams. Hirving “Chucky” Lozano was supposed to be with Mexico for the Concacaf Gold Cup, but suffered a hamstring injury in last week’s win over Austin FC that will keep him out of international play and could affect his San Diego FC availability.

SDFC (9-5-3) returns to MLS play on June 14, then has a 10-day break before facing the Vancouver Whitecaps.

“What I’m really excited about is that we’re going to have some younger guys who haven’t had an opportunity to play,” Varas said. “They’re going to play in a pretty high-pressure situation and be able to show that we can count on them when the league games get going.”

Goalkeeper Pablo Sisniega, the backup to CJ dos Santos this season, is among those expected to start.

“I’m very excited for the opportunity and I want to take it with both hands,” Sisniega said. “It’s very exciting to play against a big club like America. Being from Mexico City, growing up in Mexico, it’s a very special game for me.”

Sisniega has made an impact for SDFC. It just hasn’t been evident in games to this point.

“He’s been so good in training,” Varas said. “He’s one of the main reasons CJ is making the progress that he is. Everyday in training, CJ sees this train coming behind him, (so) he better pick it up also.

“I’m really excited for (Sisniega), but really excited for the whole group together.”

Other fresh faces for SDFC include midfielder Manu Duah, the club’s No. 1 pick in December’s MLS SuperDraft, as well as midfielder Heine Bruseth and forward Anisse Saidi. Fellow forward Marcus Ingvartsen, who has been sidetracked by injuries following a hot start, is also expected to play.

“I’m really looking forward to the performance of the guys individually being able to show who they are,” Varas said, “but also us being able to show that it doesn’t matter who’s in, our style of play, intensity and quality keeps going.”

Lozano, the biggest name on SDFC’s roster, remains in San Diego, where he is undergoing treatment for his injury. He was sidelined for nearly a month earlier this season with an injury to the same leg.

“Same muscle. Different part of the muscle,” Varas said. “It’s not as significant as the last one … His return to play will be quicker than last time.”

San Diego FC vs. Club América (exhibition)

When: 7 p.m. Saturday

Where: Snapdragon Stadium

Originally Published: June 6, 2025 at 3:08 PM PDT