By the time they take the pitch on Monday night in the MLS Western Conference semifinal against Minnesota, San Diego FC will have gone 15 days between matches. Major League Soccer had to take a break for international play at basically the worst time imaginable.

As they do with pretty much everything, SDFC is looking at the extended break as a positive.

“It’s an opportunity to get some guys recovered after a very physical first round playoff series,” says SDFC head coach Mikey Varas. “We also really believe in our training environment so we look at it as time to prepare for the game.”

While the rest is good for the body, it’s not necessarily good for the mind.

“I think it’s more like a mental thing to stay on top of your game,” says SDFC forward Amahl Pellegrino. “Sometimes you can fee

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