San Diego FC vs CF Montréal Prediction, Match Preview, 22 February

San Diego FC face CF Montréal in a Major League Soccer clash at Snapdragon Stadium on Sunday, 22 February. This fixture promises to be an intriguing contest as both teams look to assert their dominance early in the season. San Diego FC, playing at home, will be eager to make the most of their familiar surroundings and secure a vital win.

CF Montréal, meanwhile, will look to overcome the challenges of playing away and demonstrate their strength against a formidable opponent. With both teams keen to make a statement, this encounter is set to deliver an exciting display of football. The outcome could have significant implications for their league standings, making this a must-watch for fans and punters alike.

San Diego FC vs CF Montréal Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
San Diego FC Draw No Bet	1.75

Given the anticipation and energy surrounding San Diego FC’s home debut, the recommended betting tip is to back San Diego FC with a draw no bet option. This bet provides a safety net in the event of a draw while capitalising on San Diego’s home advantage and offseason improvements.

• San Diego FC have scored in seven consecutive matches in this competition, demonstrating their attacking prowess.
• The home crowd’s support at Snapdragon Stadium is expected to boost San Diego FC’s performance.
• CF Montréal’s inconsistent away form last season and the long travel for this fixture make San Diego FC the more favourable choice.

Betting Odds

San Diego FC are clear favourites in this Major League Soccer clash, with the betting odds reflecting their strong home advantage at Snapdragon Stadium. Priced at 1.45, they are expected to dominate against CF Montréal, who are considered underdogs with odds of 5.96.

Betting Tip	Odds
San Diego FC to win	1.45
Draw	4.55
CF Montréal to win	5.96

For those interested in alternative markets, the draw at 4.55 could be tempting given the unpredictable nature of early-season fixtures. Additionally, considering San Diego’s attacking strength, markets for over 2.5 goals might offer value for punters.

San Diego FC Analysis & Past Performance

San Diego FC have demonstrated a commendable level of performance in recent matches, securing three wins from their last five games. This includes a significant 4-1 victory over Club Universidad Nacional in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. However, they suffered a narrow defeat in the return leg, highlighting the need for greater consistency in maintaining leads across two-legged ties.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Pumas UNAM	San Diego FC	1 – 0 (Loss)	CONCACAF Champions Cup	11 Feb 2026
San Diego FC	Pumas UNAM	4 – 1 (Win)	CONCACAF Champions Cup	4 Feb 2026
San Diego FC	Vancouver Whitecaps	1 – 3 (Loss)	MLS Playoff	30 Nov 2025
San Diego FC	Minnesota United	1 – 0 (Win)	MLS Playoff	25 Nov 2025
San Diego FC	Portland Timbers	4 – 0 (Win)	MLS Playoff	10 Nov 2025

Recent Form:

• LWLWW

San Diego FC’s attack has been productive, averaging 2.00 goals per game in their last five matches, while conceding an average of 1.00 goal per match. The team have kept two clean sheets, underlining a certain level of defensive solidity. At home, they have been particularly strong, winning four out of their last five home games, which gives them a win ratio of 80% in this period. This home advantage could play a crucial role in their upcoming fixtures.

San Diego FC Suspensions & Injuries

With no current injuries or suspensions affecting San Diego FC, the team approach the upcoming clash against CF Montréal with a full squad at their disposal. This allows head coach Mikey Varas the luxury of deploying his strongest line-up without any forced tactical compromises. The absence of unavailable players means the team can maintain their preferred formation and style of play, which has been instrumental in their recent performances.

San Diego FC’s full squad availability should bolster their confidence as they prepare to face CF Montréal. With key players such as Pablo Sisniega in goal and a solid defensive line featuring Wilson Eisner and Christopher McVey, San Diego FC can focus on executing their game plan effectively. The midfield trio of Aníbal Godoy, Jeppe Tverskov, and Pedro Soma will be crucial in controlling the tempo of the match.

In attack, the presence of forwards such as Anders Dreyer and Marcus Ingvartsen provides San Diego FC with the firepower needed to challenge CF Montréal’s defence. This full-strength line-up offers the team various tactical options, whether they choose to dominate possession or exploit counter-attacking opportunities.

The lack of injuries or suspensions could also have implications for the betting markets, as San Diego FC’s full-strength squad might make them more favourable among punters. With all key players available, San Diego FC will aim to capitalise on this advantage to secure a positive result against CF Montréal.

San Diego FC Key Players

San Diego FC’s attacking play will heavily depend on the prowess of their forward trio, particularly Anders Dreyer and Marcus Ingvartsen. While specific goal statistics for the season remain undisclosed, Dreyer’s agility and finesse make him a potent threat on the wings, capable of dismantling defences with ease. Ingvartsen, renowned for his clinical finishing, will be key in converting chances into goals. Their partnership with Amahl Pellegrino, who adds further flair and creativity, is expected to spearhead the attack against CF Montréal.

In midfield, Aníbal Godoy’s experience and composure will be instrumental in dictating the tempo of the game. Alongside Jeppe Tverskov, who provides a robust defensive shield, they form a midfield duo that balances defensive duties with forward thrusts. In defence, the leadership of Christopher McVey will be crucial in organising the backline, ensuring stability and resilience under pressure.

Expected line-up for San Diego FC

• Goalkeeper: Pablo Sisniega
• Defenders: Wilson Eisner, Christopher McVey, Manu Duah, Luca Bombino
• Midfielders: Aníbal Godoy, Jeppe Tverskov, Pedro Soma
• Forwards: Anders Dreyer, Marcus Ingvartsen, Amahl Pellegrino

Tactically, San Diego FC are likely to leverage their attacking strengths, with Dreyer and Pellegrino stretching the opposition’s defence to create space for Ingvartsen to exploit. The defensive solidity provided by McVey and the midfield’s ability to transition quickly from defence to attack are vital strengths that could influence the outcome of the match.

San Diego FC Tactics and Formation

San Diego FC Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Likely 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Marcus Ingvartsen
• Midfield Engine: Aníbal Godoy
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on wide play and crossing.

San Diego FC typically deploy a 4-3-3 formation, which provides a balanced approach between attack and defence. In midfield, Aníbal Godoy is crucial for transitioning play from defence to attack, supported by Jeppe Tverskov and Pedro Soma, who provide both defensive cover and creative outlets.

Offensively, the team rely heavily on their attacking trio of Anders Dreyer, Marcus Ingvartsen, and Amahl Pellegrino. Ingvartsen, as the central striker, is pivotal in converting chances, often created by the wide play of Dreyer and Pellegrino, who excel at delivering crosses into the box.

Defensively, San Diego FC’s backline, consisting of Wilson Eisner, Christopher McVey, Manu Duah, and Luca Bombino, has shown resilience, achieving two clean sheets in their last five fixtures. Their ability to maintain a compact shape and effectively manage aerial threats has been instrumental in their defensive strategy.

CF Montréal Analysis & Past Performance

CF Montréal’s recent form has been inconsistent, with their last five games yielding only one victory, alongside one draw and three defeats. Their most recent outing ended in a 3-0 defeat against FC Cincinnati, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities as they conceded three goals while managing only five shots on target.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
FC Cincinnati	CF Montréal	3 – 0 (Loss)	Major League Soccer	18 Oct 2025
CF Montréal	Nashville SC	1 – 1 (Draw)	Major League Soccer	4 Oct 2025
Charlotte FC	CF Montréal	1 – 4 (Win)	Major League Soccer	27 Sep 2025
CF Montréal	New York Red Bulls	0 – 2 (Loss)	Major League Soccer	20 Sep 2025
CF Montréal	St. Louis City	0 – 2 (Loss)	Major League Soccer	13 Sep 2025

Recent Form:
In terms of attacking statistics, CF Montréal have struggled to find the back of the net consistently, averaging just 1.00 goal per game over their last five matches. Their defence has also been porous, conceding an average of 1.80 goals per game and failing to keep a single clean sheet in this period. Away from home, they have shown marginally better form, winning two and drawing one of their last five away fixtures. However, their overall win ratio remains a modest 20%.

Despite these challenges, CF Montréal’s attack has shown moments of potency, such as their 4-1 victory against Charlotte FC. This suggests that when on form, they can be a threat. However, their inability to maintain defensive solidity and capitalise on attacking opportunities consistently has been a significant weakness. The team require tactical adjustments to improve both their goal-scoring and defensive records.

• LDWLL

CF Montréal Suspensions & Injuries

CF Montréal face a notable absence with Fabian Herbers sidelined due to an ankle injury, with a return expected in mid-March 2026. His absence in midfield means Montréal will need to adjust tactically, potentially impacting their creativity and control in the centre of the park. Herbers’ ability to link play and support both defensive and attacking transitions will be missed, requiring Marco Donadel to consider alternatives.

With Herbers out, CF Montréal may turn to Gennadiy Synchuk or Dante Sealy to fill the void in midfield. Both players offer different attributes, with Synchuk’s defensive solidity and Sealy’s dynamic forward runs providing varied options for the coach. The choice between them could dictate Montréal’s approach, whether prioritising defensive stability or attacking prowess.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Fabian Herbers	Ankle injury	Mid March 2026

The absence of further injuries or suspensions provides CF Montréal with a relatively robust squad to select from, aside from the setback of Herbers. This could be advantageous as they look to maintain a competitive edge against San Diego FC. However, the tactical impact of Herbers’ absence may still weigh on their overall game plan. The betting markets might see this as a minor setback, but the squad’s depth should mitigate any significant shift in odds.

CF Montréal Key Players

CF Montréal’s approach to the match against San Diego FC will rely heavily on the performances of their key players. Leading the attack, Kwadwo Opoku stands out as a dynamic forward whose pace and agility can unsettle any defence. His ability to exploit spaces and create scoring opportunities will be crucial for CF Montréal’s offensive strategy. Alongside him, Prince Osei Owusu’s physical presence in the forward line provides a different threat, making him a significant aerial target during set pieces.

In midfield, Samuel Piette’s role as a playmaker is indispensable. His vision and passing accuracy are vital in transitioning the team from defence to attack, while Victor Loturi’s energy and work rate ensure that the midfield remains robust. Defensively, Brayan Vera and Efrain Morales form a solid partnership at the heart of the defence, tasked with maintaining the team’s defensive integrity against San Diego FC’s attacking threats.

Expected line-up for CF Montréal:

• Goalkeeper: Thomas Gillier
• Defenders: Dawid Bugaj, Brayan Vera, Efrain Morales, Luca Petrasso
• Midfielders: Victor Loturi, Gennadiy Synchuk, Samuel Piette
• Forwards: Kwadwo Opoku, Prince Osei Owusu, Ivan Jaime

Overall, CF Montréal’s tactical impact will be shaped by their ability to leverage the strengths of these key players. The defensive solidity provided by their backline, combined with the creativity and dynamism of their forwards, could prove decisive in securing a favourable result.

CF Montréal Tactics and Formation

CF Montréal Tactical Breakdown:

• Previous Formation: 4-1-4-1
• Key Forward: Prince Osei Owusu
• Midfield Core: Victor Loturi and Matthew Longstaff
• Defensive Concerns: No clean sheets in last five games
• Notable Strategy: Reliance on wide play and pressing.

In their recent matches, CF Montréal have implemented a 4-1-4-1 formation, focusing on defensive resilience while allowing flexibility in attack. The midfield, led by Victor Loturi and Matthew Longstaff, is tasked with transitioning the ball forward and supporting the lone striker, Prince Osei Owusu, who holds the key to their offensive output.

Defensively, the backline of Bode Hidalgo, Brandan Craig, Jalen Neal, and Luca Petrasso has struggled to maintain clean sheets, conceding nine goals over the last five games. This suggests a need for improved defensive coordination and possibly a tactical adjustment to bolster their defensive solidity.

Offensively, Montréal’s strategy often revolves around exploiting the flanks, using the pace and creativity of Dante Sealy and Fabian Herbers. Their pressing game in midfield aims to disrupt opposition build-up play, yet their recent form indicates a need for sharper execution to convert opportunities into goals.

San Diego FC vs CF Montréal H2H Record

This upcoming clash between San Diego FC and CF Montréal marks their first-ever meeting, making it an exciting fixture for both sets of fans. With no previous head-to-head record to reference, it’s a clean slate as they face off in Major League Soccer.

Playing at Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego FC will be keen to make a strong impression in front of their home crowd. Meanwhile, CF Montréal will aim to spoil the party and kick off this new rivalry with a win. With both sides eager to establish dominance, this match promises to be an intriguing battle.