San Diego FC Faces Real Salt Lake in Sunday Night Soccer Showdown

Snapdragon Stadium will host a Western Conference clash as San Diego FC takes on Real Salt Lake this Sunday, March 22nd, at 7 pm ET (4 pm PT) on Apple TV. Both teams enter the match in strong form, looking to solidify their positions in the competitive Western Conference standings.

Current Standings and Form

San Diego FC currently sits 3rd in the Western Conference with 10 points from a record of 3 wins, 0 losses and 1 draw. Real Salt Lake is close behind in 6th place, holding 9 points with a 3-1-0 record. RSL has been bolstered by a three-game winning streak.

San Diego FC: Bouncing Back from Champions Cup Disappointment

San Diego is coming off a 4-0 defeat (6-3 aggregate) to Toluca FC in the Round of 16 of the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. Despite this setback, San Diego remains unbeaten in MLS play, boasting a +8 goal differential. They previously drew 3-3 against FC Dallas.

Key Players for San Diego FC

• Anders Dreyer: The 2025 MLS Newcomer of the Year has already contributed 2 goals and 3 assists in league action this season.
• Jeppe Tverskov: The Danish midfielder and captain anchors the San Diego midfield.
• Manu Duah: The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft has quickly become a key player in the defense.
• Aníbal Godoy: A veteran defensive midfielder, Godoy is also aiming for a spot on Panama’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.
• Onni Valakari & Marcus Ingvartsen: Both players are tied for the team lead in goals with 3 each, and Valakari has 2 assists.

Head coach Mikey Varas may make adjustments to the lineup following the Champions Cup match, but Duah and Ingvartsen are expected to start after being suspended for the trip to Toluca.

Real Salt Lake: Riding a Winning Streak

Real Salt Lake is looking to continue their momentum after a recent 2-1 home victory over Austin FC. The team has been boosted by the return of key players from injury.

Key Players for Real Salt Lake

• Diego Luna: The two-time All-Star and 2024 MLS Young Player of the Year is working his way back to full fitness after recovering from a knee injury and made his season debut last weekend.
• Zavier Gozo: The 18-year-old homegrown talent has impressed with 1 goal and 1 assist, drawing attention from the USMNT.
• Aiden Hezarkhani: Another promising homegrown player, Hezarkhani has scored twice in four appearances this season.
• Morgan Guilavogui: A Designated Player signing, Guilavogui is seeking his first goal for RSL.
• Juan Manuel Sanabria: Another winter signing, Sanabria is hoping to earn a spot on Uruguay’s World Cup roster.

Coach Pablo Mastroeni may give Luna his first start of the 2026 season at Snapdragon Stadium.

What to Watch For

The availability of key players like Dreyer for San Diego and Luna for Real Salt Lake will be crucial. Form will play a role, but the match is likely to be decided by the performance of these key contributors.