FC Cincinnati Visits Resurgent San Diego FC | OneFootball

After a mid-week matchday, Major League Soccer is back this Saturday. San Diego FC does not plan to end its good run after a complicated start to the tournament. They will host FC Cincinnati, which recently fell victim to Lionel Messi and company.

The 2023 Supporters Shield champions are coming off a series of mixed results. Both teams have the same number of points, so this promises to be a close and entertaining match.

It also marks the first time the two teams will meet in competition.

Below, we share all the key information you need to know before the game. Let’s get into it.

San Diego FC vs. Cincinnati

Kickoff: 9:30 pm ET/6:30 pm PTSnapdragon Stadium, San Diego, CaliforniaWatch on Apple TV

After a dream debut season, marked by qualifying for the MLS playoffs and reaching the Western Conference final (which they lost 1-3 to the Vancouver Whitecaps), their sophomore campaign has not been as sweet for San Diego FC.

There’s the continuing saga around the status of Hirving Lozano. ‘El Chucky’ arrived as the first Designated Player for San Diego, indeed as the first announced player. But prior to the 2025 playoffs, he was benched by head coach Varas, reportedly due to disciplinary issues.

Lozano remains under contract, and even had a substantial salary increase from $7.63 million to $9.3 million per year according to the MLS Players Association.

But Varas and sporting director Tyler Heaps have made it clear that the Mexican striker is no longer in the club’s plans. Lozano has not been called up at all this season. Although Heaps revealed that there has been interest from multiple clubs, Lozano apparently preferred to honor his million-dollar contract and quit playing, whether in MLS or at the World Cup.

The newest California franchise started 2026 with three wins, then suffered a 10-match winless streak. This extended slump forced Varas has had to make some adjustments to get his squad back on track, and they have now gone three matches unbeaten. They drew against fellow Western Conference rivals LAFC (2-2) and Seattle Sounders (1-1), and beat Austin FC 5-0 on Wednesday after a formidable offensive performance, including a brace from 20-year-old David Vazquez (7th, 90th).

Cincinnati’s Form

In front of them is FC Cincinnati. The Blue and Orange has the same number of points as them (16) in what has so far been an up-and-down season.

In their last match, Cincinnati lost 3-5 to Inter Miami. The Herons displayed a great offensive performance with a brace from Messi (23rd, 54th) and goals from Mateo Silvetti (78th) and German Berterame (83rd). Keeper Roman Celentano scored an own goal in the 88th minute.

Before that loss, Cincy seemed to be slowly getting back on track, as they had gone six matches without losing, including four draws and two wins.

They are, therefore, two teams with similar seasons, considering they have been plagued by ups and downs. The difference is Cincinnati has shown a more stable overall performance in their recent games, while San Diego FC finally seems to be getting back on track.

Prediction: San Diego FC 2-2 FC Cincinnati.