Minnesota United returns to San Diego to face SDFC at Snapdragon Stadium for the third time since last season. The history between these clubs is already defined by high stakes, including a competitive playoff battle last year. So far this season, the Loons have seen mixed results in league play with a 2-2-2 record (8 points). San Diego is looking to regain momentum after starting the season with three straight wins followed by two draws and a first loss of the season last weekend in San Jose.
Looking Back at Last Season
SDFC played Minnesota United three times last season. In the first meeting in Minnesota, San Diego claimed a 4-2 victory fueled by braces from both Anders Dreyer and Milan Iloski. The second match saw San Diego FC lose 3-1 at home, as Anthony Markanich, Carlos Harvey, and Nectarios Triantis all scored for the Loons while Jeppe Tverskov provided the lone goal for San Diego. The rubber match was the Western Conference Semifinal, where San Diego won 1-0 thanks to an Anders Dreyer goal in the 72nd minute.
In all three matches, San Diego controlled the ball over 66% of the time. Both teams stuck to their distinct philosophies: SDFC focused on possession to move the ball forward, while Minnesota preferred a low block, hunting for goals on the counter or through set-pieces. There were several notable individual performances throughout those games. Beyond the braces from Dreyer and Iloski , Dayne St. Clair racked up 12 saves in the second match. In the playoff win, Ian Pilcher made a massive sliding goal-line clearance, and Corey Baird provided a cheeky backheel assist for Dreyer’s winner.
What has changed?
One of the biggest shifts for the Loons is on the touchline. Eric Ramsay left during the offseason for West Bromwich Albion but was dismissed shortly after on February 24th. Cameron Knowles was promoted to the head coaching position in January, and with Knowles at the helm, the Loons appear more balanced. They still rely on defensive prowess but have shifted toward a mid-block instead of a low one, utilizing three center-backs rather than five to claim more of the ball. Despite the tactical shift, there is a strong possibility they revert to a five-man backline and a low block if they take a lead.
The roster has also seen a significant change in goal. Dayne St. Clair signed with Inter Miami, and Drake Callender moved from Miami to replace him. Callender spent six seasons in Miami with a 70.4% save percentage; so far this year, he is at 69.7%, saving 23 of the 33 shots faced. Additionally, long-time contributor Robin Lod—who tallied 37 goals and 26 assists over seven seasons—departed for the Chicago Fire.
The 2026 Loons
Through six matches, the offensive statistics aren’t doing the Loons many favors, with 6 goals from 66 shots. These metrics rank in the bottom third of the league. However, the Loons remain dangerous in the air, ranking 10th in set-piece shots and 4th in aerial duels won. Anthony Markanich and Jefferson Diaz lead the team with 14 aerial wins each. San Diego must be prepared for every set-piece, as Markanich and Diaz are primary targets to knock the ball in for a goal. There is also a need to keep a close eye on Kelvin Yeboah. Since joining in 2024, he has 23 goals for the club and leads the team this season in goals (3), shots (14), and shots on target (6).
Breaking down this defense will be a major challenge. Minnesota has the second-most clearances in the league (186), ranks 5th in blocked shots (26), and sits 3rd in blocked passes (60). The team thrives on clogging shooting and passing lanes. Morris Duggan has been a standout defender, leading the league in clearances (55) and ranking as a top force in the box. Now in his third season with the Loons with over 2500 minutes played, Duggan also ranks highly in interceptions, tackles, and final-third recoveries.
The Wild Card: James Rodríguez
There is uncertainty regarding the status of newly acquired James Rodríguez, who signed in February from Club León. Rodríguez brings an incredible pedigree, having contributed to over 160 goals at elite European clubs like Real Madrid, Porto, and Bayern Munich. He has only played 41 minutes in MLS so far. While he played roughly an hour in two matches during the international break, he was subsequently hospitalized for severe dehydration. Rodríguez has been back in training this week and could potentially feature this weekend.
San Diego’s Depth and Lineup Outlook
The bench was quite thin last Saturday against the Earthquakes. While Chris McVey returns from suspension, the red card to Manu Duah means SDFC is essentially just swapping spots on the roster. It does not appear that anyone else is returning from injury at this time. This likely means Osvald Søe gets another start at center back, while Lewis Morgan will have another spell on the left wing. The hope is for the young bench to provide a spark if called upon, but ideally, San Diego will want to put this one away early. There is also a question of whether it is time to make a change in goal and give CJ Dos Santos the start over Duran Ferree. That will likely be a game-time decision for Mikey Varas
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