Pablo Sisniega Sparks Mexico National Team Conversation After Strong Performance

A good performance in a big game can leave lasting impressions. Such was the case for Pablo Sisniega after an impressive showing in Mexico City against Pumas UNAM.

The San Diego FC goalkeeper played a massive role in helping his team move past a tough Liga MX opponent in the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup. Sisiniega produced nine saves while allowing one goal in a match that ended 1-0, seeing San Diego FC through to the next round on a 4-2 aggregate score.

A Massive Performance in CDMX

SDFC spent the majority of the game defending a relentless attack from Pumas, who were fighting for their lives. As much as San Diego wanted to keep the ball and play their possession-based style of football, they couldn't thwart the pressure that Pumas were putting on them. The mostly defensive shape of SDFC forced Sisniega to face 25 total shots, 10 of them on target.

After blocking a point-blank shot, Sisniega was called into action shortly after when he made a diving save to parry away a header that was destined for the lower corner of the net. He impacted the match in every phase — from reaction saves in tight spaces to one-on-one stops in transition.

His performance wasn’t limited to shot-stopping. Sisniega also played a key role in buildup. He had a 92% passing accuracy (23/25) which translates directly to what head coach Mikey Varas preaches to the team about being brave and composed on the ball during high-pressure moments. The post-match stats showed he prevented roughly 1.89 expected goals.

It's clear that Sisniega was the deciding factor in this match. His performance caught many eyes, including the Mexico fans. Social media buzzed after the match with many asking for Sisniega, who holds a Mexican passport, to get a trial shot with the Mexican National team ahead the World Cup.

Humble Beginnings

Pablo Sisniega was born in Mexico City. "I grew up two kilometers away from this stadium so being here, playing here is very special for me," Sisniega said.

His father, Ivar Sisniega, is the current Executive President of the Mexican Football Federation. He spent his youth career in the Chivas Guadalajara academy before joining Philadelphia Union and Real Sociedad academies.

His professional career began in Spain for Real Sociedad B where he made 38 appearances before being sidelined by a shoulder injury that kept him out for over a year. Sisniega then moved to the MLS where he signed with LAFC and later with Charlotte.

San Diego came calling in 2025 with the promise of a backup role, offering Sisniega a fresh start with an expansion club building its identity from the ground up. He understood that joining a brand-new organization would bring unique opportunities, even if minutes were not guaranteed.

After CJ Dos Santos impressed as the starter and earned a contract extension, the hierarchy appeared clear — but as is often the case in professional soccer, a place in the starting XI is never permanently secured.

Sisniega soon found himself as the permanent starter after Dos Santos left the game against Portland with a serious facial injury. He came up big in important moments and saw his team go as far as the MLS playoff semifinals.

The Case for El Tri

Mexico’s goalkeeper pool has seen transition in recent years, with opportunities opening behind the established names. Guillermo Ochoa is currently playing in Cyprus with his best years already behind him. Carlos Acevedo's status for number one is unclear.

Performances in continental competition carry weight, especially against Liga MX clubs. Doing it in Mexico City, protecting an aggregate lead, adds even more credibility.

One match does not guarantee a call-up. But performances like this shift perception. Sisniega didn’t just help SDFC advance — he reminded observers on both sides of the border that he belongs in the conversation.