Tactical Masterclass: How San Diego FC Dismantled CF Montreal

San Diego FC won their opening home match by a large margin last Saturday night. 25,414 people witnessed the 5-0 thrashing of CF Montreal as SDFC displayed some of the most perfect soccer they've ever played. So, what worked so well? Let's dive in.

Back to the Top

Not only did the 5-0 win put SDFC at the top of the Western Conference standings, the way they won put them atop another familiar category. Control of the ball. SDFC is tied for first place with Inter Miami at 69% possession – a stat that speaks about the control of the tempo of matches.

It's no secret that the way SDFC intends to play is by controlling possession and daring teams to go after them by pressing high up the pitch. In the past, some teams took the safer approach by not biting on the bait and hanging back on defense instead. Montreal, credit to them, went after the ball for the majority of the match. SDFC relished the moment, making the neighbors from the north pay time and time again.

Goal Breakdown: SDFC 2-0 CF Montreal (Amahl Pellegrino, assisted by Anders Dreyer, 46th minute)

When someone asks – "What is the Right to Dream style of play?", show them this goal.

CF Montreal, desperate for an answer after giving up an opening goal inside the first 15 minutes, pressed hard as the first half was coming to an end. Recognizing the press, Manu Duah used his elite field vision to seek out Marcus Ingvartsen with a long pass. Notice how there are seven white shirts all battling to regain possession of the ball in San Diego's half.

Ingvartsen, standing at 6'1, is known for his abilities in the air. As two Montreal defenders challenge him for the long ball sent in by Duah, Ingvartsen wins the battle and sends Anders Dreyer in on goal with a headed pass. Due to the massive high press that Montreal played, Dreyer had a whole half of space to himself.

As Montreal's defenders do all they can to catch up to the quick Dane, they are left chasing shadows. The bait worked and the high press allowed SDFC to quickly play the ball up the field and find themselves in on goal in an overloaded situation.

Goal Breakdown: SDFC 3-0 Montreal (Onni Valakari, assisted by Marcus Ingvartsen, 53rd minute)

One of the traits that makes this San Diego team so dangerous is their ability to be dangerous on both sides of the field. In the previous example, SDFC crowded the defensive half of the field while finding a way to get in on goal and create a overload situation with minimal players.

SDFC’s third goal — which made it 3-0 — started and finished in the opponent’s half. Unlike the second goal, this one came from sustained pressure high up the field. As Montreal prepared to take a throw-in deep in their own half, SDFC committed numbers forward and overloaded the danger area. At one point, six SDFC players were positioned around the throw-in, closing space and forcing the turnover that led to the goal.

What happens next is very important. With the quick pressure on the ball that SDFC are able to generate, it's key to not let the opponent clear the ball and potentially get a breakaway opportunity.

Montreal is forced to kick the ball up, the pressure not allowing the defender to clear the ball far up the field. At that moment it becomes a challenge for a 50/50 ball, which Valakari wins and forces a turnover.

San Diego quickly get the ball under control and combine for a few quick passes before Ingvartsen uses a bit of skill and creativity to touch the ball off for Valakari. The quick passing confuses the Montreal defenders and allows Valakari to dribble into space along the penalty box and fire a precise shot into the back of the net.

It showed how well the team understands the game plan and how effectively they can bring their work from the training ground into real match situations.

Perhaps, the biggest improvements from last year to this year, in both quality and awareness, appears to be the team’s growing chemistry. When it comes to carrying out the game plan, SDFC displayed a strong understanding of each player’s role in different moments of the match — the kind of cohesion that only comes from spending extended time playing together.

Final Thoughts and Honorable Mentions

Beyond an impressive all-around performance from SDFC, the closing minutes delivered a special moment for the fans. Newly signed Bryan Zamble, a Right to Dream academy product, found the net just five minutes after coming on. It was more than just a goal — it was a clear reflection of the club’s commitment to developing young talent and giving them real opportunities to shine.

Also, it's odd for SDFC to score five goals and not see Anders Dreyer on the scoresheet. The Dane found himself playing in more of an assist role, adding two to his tally to start the season.

If this match was any indication, San Diego FC is no longer just a team with a clear philosophy — it’s a team executing that philosophy at a high level.

Whether beating a high press with precision or suffocating opponents deep in their own half, SDFC showed they can control games in multiple ways. The growing chemistry, tactical discipline, and shared understanding on display against Montreal suggest this group is evolving.

SDFC will be tested against a tougher opponent, St. Louis City, in their next match, on Sunday March 1st. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:15 PM at Snapdragon Stadium.