Heading into the 2026 season, San Diego FC faced uncertainty about who would fill the starting striker spot, a position that had seen multiple players tested throughout 2025. Marcus Ingvartsen, alongside Milan Iloski, Tomas Angel, Corey Baird, Anders Dreyer, and Onni Valakari, all had stints in this role, but none had firmly established themselves as the clear first choice. The team’s efforts to find a reliable forward were complicated by injuries and positional preferences.
Former Players and Positional Challenges Impacting the Lineup
While Anders Dreyer is a dependable scorer, his best performances come from the right wing rather than as a central striker. Onni Valakari, similarly, excels in a creative midfield position rather than playing as a false nine or traditional striker. Of the players who departed before 2026, Milan Iloski showed the most promise but left amid a contract dispute despite being a native of Escondido, California. Corey Baird and Tomas Angel also moved on, leaving few reliable options to fill the forward role.
Injury Setbacks and New Signings Affect Forward Options
San Diego FC brought in MLS veteran Lewis Morgan to try to resolve the striker issue, but he was sidelined by an injury before the season even started. This development thrust Marcus Ingvartsen back into the spotlight as the club’s intended central forward since its inception. The Danish striker arrived with a solid reputation from his European career, especially with Bundesliga clubs Union Berlin and Mainz 05.
Struggles in 2025 Raised Questions About Ingvartsen’s Future
Despite his strong background, Ingvartsen struggled with injuries and form in the 2025 season, managing only two goals in 13 appearances. Early performances in the CONCACAF Champions League were sluggish, leading to growing skepticism about whether he could be the reliable scoring threat that San Diego needed.
Breakthrough in 2026 Season-Opener Raises Optimism
The doubts began to dissipate during San Diego’s opening match of the 2026 MLS season against Montreal Impact. Ingvartsen scored a powerful and well-timed goal amid heavy pressure inside the box and contributed an assist with a creative back heel pass to teammate Onni Valakari, showcasing his versatility and flair. The assist was set up by Anders Dreyer from the left flank, highlighting a promising chemistry between the forwards that could become crucial throughout the season.
Marcus GOALLL 4⃣ pic.twitter.com/slqSbmYfdJ
— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) February 22, 2026
Key Performances Solidify Ingvartsen’s Role in Early 2026
Following the strong showing against Montreal, Ingvartsen delivered another vital contribution against St. Louis City, leading San Diego FC to a 2-0 victory. He provided an assist early in the match—just three minutes in—once again linking up with Anders Dreyer, who scored from Ingvartsen’s setup. The goal and assist underscored Ingvartsen’s keen positioning and quick decision-making, traits essential for success in the striker position.
Anders Dreyer aka “El Paletero” scores 3 minutes into the game. pic.twitter.com/irmbModCwd
— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) March 2, 2026
Players Praise the Offensive Partnership
Ingvartsen and Dreyer’s on-field understanding drew attention, especially after their mutual goal contributions against St. Louis City. Dreyer explained the sequence leading to his goal and how their interplay unfolded smoothly.
I saw Marcus (Ingvartsen) get the ball, and I called for the ball, and he played it, and I just hit it, and it went in, good start. Then, of course, the second goal I heard Marcus saying play it, and I played it, and it was a very good finish from him, and two in two, and that’s nice,
said Dreyer.
Anders Dreyer on his goal contributions tonight in the 2-0 win against St. Louis City.@EVT_News pic.twitter.com/jgD6W04Q1T
— Francisco Velasco (@FranciscoEfV) March 2, 2026
Ingvartsen on Regaining Form and Mental Focus
Speaking about his progression, Marcus Ingvartsen reflected on both his physical recovery and mental state, emphasizing the improved condition that allowed him to perform at his best early in the season.
I think my physical feeling is getting better and better. In the preseason, I’ve been managed a little bit in the load on how we have been building it up. I got up to 80 minutes today. Feeling fresh in those 80 minutes, being able to move and play as I’m used to,
said Ingvartsen.
I’m just trying to put last season behind me. It was tough, but also learning. We have been taken care of both as a team and personally.
Management’s Stance and Future Prospects for the Striker
San Diego FC’s management, led by Mikey Varas, has maintained a competitive environment where no starting spot is guaranteed. However, given Ingvartsen’s strong performances at the start of 2026, it appears likely he will continue securing starts as the season progresses. The expectations for the Danish striker had been low after a difficult 2025, but his early impact this season signals a promising turnaround for both him and the club.
Marcus GOALLL 4⃣ pic.twitter.com/slqSbmYfdJ
— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) February 22, 2026
Anders Dreyer aka "El Paletero" scores 3 minutes into the game. pic.twitter.com/irmbModCwd
— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) March 2, 2026
Anders Dreyer on his goal contributions tonight in the 2-0 win against St. Louis City.@EVT_News pic.twitter.com/jgD6W04Q1T
— Francisco Velasco (@FranciscoEfV) March 2, 2026
