San Diego FC eliminates Pumas and advances to Champions Cup Round of 16

(February 10, 2026, Concacaf Champions Cup – Mexico City, Mexico; Photo: SanDiegoFC)

The region’s premier tournament, the Concacaf Champions Cup, returned in full force, and San Diego FC proved that the first-leg advantage was enough to position themselves as a dark horse in the competition after eliminating Pumas UNAM at Estadio Olímpico Universitario. The emphatic 4-1 victory at Snapdragon Stadium made the difference, as the series ended 4-2 on aggregate in favor of the California side. The match also marked the club’s first official international fixture outside of the MLS environment and its first appearance on Mexican soil, a chapter that ultimately went San Diego’s way.

Pablo Sisniega was the standout performer, delivering a memorable display with eight saves, the highest total of his time with the club. Pumas dominated in attacking volume and pushed hard to overturn the deficit, but the goalkeeper kept San Diego alive in the most critical moments. Despite constant pressure and a late red card to Rubén Duarte in stoppage time, San Diego held firm and secured its place in the next round.

Head coach Mikey Varas praised the character shown by his squad, especially in a challenging environment marked by altitude and the opponent’s intensity. “We had to suffer, but we also have to learn how to win when things don’t go well,” Varas said, emphasizing the group’s competitive mentality. San Diego adjusted its pressing structure at different points in the match, understanding that the night would require resilience more than attacking dominance.

San Diego FC’s next opponent will be Toluca. The first leg will be played on March 11 at Snapdragon Stadium, with the return leg set for March 18 at Estadio Nemesio Díez. Before that, the club will open its 2026 MLS season at home on February 21 against CF Montréal, carrying the confidence of having passed its first major international test.