It took way too long for San Diego to land a Major League Soccer franchise, but SDFC arrived in 2025 and proved to be worth the wait.
San Diego FC defied lukewarm expectations for their first season, accomplishing enough to end all arguments over the best expansion campaign in league history.
Most wins, most points, the fastest to clinch a playoff spot, and a regular season conference crown. No team can tough their inaugural season.
SDFC has an MVP candidate in Anders Dreyer and an international star in Chucky Lozano. They have tapped into local talent with players like Luca de la Torre, and are home to players with a future on the United States National Team.
The franchise is led by a bright young Sporting Director in Tyler Heaps. Mikey Varas has aced his first test as a head coach, establishing an effective and unique brand of soccer.
Their Right to Dream Academy will create a bright future for young players from San Diego and Tijuana, who will surely make an impact for SDFC and beyond. Their training center and academy are housed on historic Native American land, thanks to an ownership group that forged a meaningful and unique bond with the Sycuan Tribe.
And let’s not forget the supporters. Frontera SD was an instant presence at Snapdragon Stadium and on the road. San Diego FC captured fans in and around San Diego, and the team rewarded them with their historic performance.
It has been an unbelievable story, and it’s one NBC 7 told in our three-part series, The Build Up: San Diego FC.
Over the span of 18 months Lead Sports Anchor Darnay Tripp spoke with they key figures who shaped the franchise and delivered its remarkable debut season. ‘The Build Up’ introduces us to the franchise and tells the story of the long-awaited arrival of Major League Soccer in San Diego.
“This club will be a giant,” Varas says.
They’re already well on their way, and ‘The Build Up’ shows how San Diego FC laid the foundation.
The Build Up: Episode 1
The Build Up: Episode 2
The Build Up: Episode 3
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