Match Recap: Ferree shines, San Diego draw 2-2 against Real Salt Lake

San Diego FC returned back to Snapdragon Stadium to host Real Salt Lake in their fifth matchday of their 2026 MLS campaign. The supporter section overflowed with fans ready to bear the heat at today's early game.

Mikey Varas opted to put Duran Ferree in goal again for San Diego FC. In addition, Anibal Godoy earned some rest and was replaced by David Vazquez in the starting eleven.

The First Half

Both teams entered the pitch bursting with energy. After a few minutes of trading shots, Real Salt Lake right wing back Zavier Gozo tangled himself with Manu Duah. Referee Alexis Da Silva ran to the VAR monitor, halting the game, but determined the contact between Duah and Gozo was not a foul.

With the early call going their way, San Diego FC shaped itself into a familiar, high-possession high-press form, determined to push the momentum in their favor.

Center back Chris McVey received a goal kick from goalkeeper Duran Ferree thirteen minutes into the half. McVey showcased his elite ball dribbling ability while tearing through the midfield opting to pass the ball to Marcus Ingvartsen on the right.

Despite almost 70% of the possession, on a quick counter attack, Real Salt Lake left back Juan Sanabria crossed the ball into the box, finding the head of Sergi Solans to put the visitors in the lead.

The supporter section only became louder, ready for San Diego FC to equalize. The opportunity almost came with a shot from David Vazquez, but Rafael Cabral made the important save.

Just moments later, Real Salt Lake gave up a dangerous free kick, just outside of their penalty box. Dreyer crossed the ball into the crowd, and Marcus Ingvartsen buried the ball into the net to equalize for San Diego FC.

As the clock hit 45 minutes, the referee announced there would be seven minutes of added time in this half. San Diego still maintained nearly 70% of the possession, yet the score line was level.

The home team relentlessly launched cross after cross. The ball ricocheted through Real Salt Lakes defense, recycled by San Diego's attack.

Real Salt Lake finally got the ball back from their opponent, and on a counterattack, produced a dangerous shot from the 23-year-old forward, Sergi Solans. The shot would have been a goal, if it weren't for Duah's goal line footwork keeping the ball from crossing the line.

The first half ended level, and both teams went back to the locker room to prepare for the next forty five minutes.

The Second Half

The sun began to set in San Diego, providing the fans, and the teams, with some much desired shade. The drums and chants grew louder as the game returned.

Pablo Mastroeni brought on USMNT star Diego Luna for Aiden Hezarkhani. San Diego FC kept their lineup the same for now.

Ferree was forced to make another early save after Morgan Guilavogui shot the ball just a few meters from the goal. On the counterattack from Real Salt Lake's attack, Amahl Pellegrino beat the visitor's defense to the penalty area. He sent a cross to Dreyer, who waited for Cabral to come off his line before sending the ball sailing into the goal.

Varas substituted Anibal Godoy for David Vazquez, and Wilson Eisner for Oscar Verhoeven, strengthening the midfield and providing fresh legs on the right side of the back line.

Real Salt Lake struggled to get through San Diego FC's press. Most of their attacks were toothless, and Ferree was able to make simple saves to prevent the goal.

Varas substituted Lewis Morgan on for Pellegrino, injecting the attack with new energy.

With just ten minutes of regular time left in the half, Real Salt Lake was desperate to find a goal, and San Diego were determined to prevent that. The visitors earned a corner, which was taken by Diego Luna. The ball ping-ponged around between the Real Salt Lake players, and the on target shot stopped by Ferree.

San Diego FC broke free on the counter attack, but Godoy's shot was just over the bar. Real Salt Lake responded with a shot from the left side that was cleaned up by Ferree.

The visitors found their equalizer in Victor Olatunji, who found the end off a cross. The San Diego supporters ramped up their chanting, with full faith that their team will find another goal before the final whistle.

Chris McVey made that challenge harder. After losing his composure and colliding with Noel Caliskan, McVey earned a second yellow card and was sent off the field. Now with ten men, Varas brought on center back Osvald Soe in place of midfielder Onni Valakari.

Eight minutes were added to the clock to close out the game. The teams traded possession, with Ferree forced to make saves to prevent Real Salt Lake from taking the lead.

Neither team could build a convincing enough attack to score a goal, and the game ended 2-2. For San Diego FC, this draw felt like a loss. The team wasn't sharp enough to produce high-level quality of play and see out the game.