San Diego FC Looks to Finish the Job vs Pumas UNAM in Altitude

San Diego FC plays their highest elevation match ever when they take on Pumas UNAM in Mexico City. Their previous record elevation was in Colorado when they lost 3-2 to the Rapids at 5,280 feet. Estadio Olimpico Universitario sits at 7,500 feet of elevation.

You have to be smart," said Anibal Godoy during media availability on Monday, Feb. 8th. "We have a large number of players here who are experiencing this altitude for the first time. But that won't be an excuse. It's part of what we have to deal with, it's what we have to play for, and we're prepared for the effects. We're going to feel it, but we have to know how to manage it."

A three-goal advantage heading into the second leg of the round may entice many teams to sit back and defend for 90 minutes.

Not San Diego FC, as per head coach Mikey Varas.

"We will never turn away from our convictions for the style of play that we have. What you will see is San Diego FC going after the game, trying to score goals, trying to score the next goal, trying to be the protagonist," Varas responded when asked about his gameplan for the match.

Pumas, who drew 2-2 in a weekend match against Atlas in the Liga MX, have a tall task ahead of them. Not only do they need to win at least 3-0 to make up the score after their 4-1 defeat in San Diego – they'll also be without their star midfielder, Adalberto Carrasquilla, who is expected to be out with injury for at least two weeks.

The Liga MX side is no stranger to large comebacks. In 2022, Pumas UNAM defeated the New England Revolution 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a 3-3 aggregate draw in their CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal series. After losing the first leg 3-0, Pumas won the second leg 3-0 in Mexico City, forcing penalties where they secured a spot in the semifinals. 

San Diego FC seems focused. The team traveled to Mexico City late Sunday and had a full training session on Monday to try and prepare for the high-altitude conditions.

"We already played our home game,” Godoy said. “We were able to get a big lead, but that doesn’t mean it’s all over. A lot can happen, and we have to pay attention to many details, because in these kinds of games, in these kinds of tournaments, the details make a big difference."

San Diego FC enters the match with a clear internal advantage: confidence in its young squad. Varas now faces a tactical decision—whether to stick with the players who were decisive in the first leg or adjust for the challenges of altitude, an environment many of them have not previously faced. How he balances form versus situational demands could shape the outcome Tuesday night.