History of San Diego FC in Timeline

San Diego FC is a professional soccer club based in San Diego, set to compete in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a Western Conference member, beginning in the 2025 season. They will play their home matches at Snapdragon Stadium. The ownership group is led by Mohamed Mansour and the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. San Diego FC was awarded the expansion team on May 18, 2023, becoming the 30th team in MLS.

1904: San Diego 1904 FC Stint

San Diego 1904 FC played a short stint in the lower divisions of American soccer before folding in 1904.

1968: San Diego Toros Relocation

In 1968, the San Diego Toros, a North American Soccer League (NASL) team, relocated from Los Angeles to San Diego and played for a single season.

1976: San Diego Jaws Established

In 1976, the San Diego Jaws were established from the former Baltimore Comets and played for one year before moving to Las Vegas.

1978: Jaws Return and Renamed Sockers

In 1978, the San Diego Jaws returned to San Diego and were renamed the Sockers, playing outdoor matches at Jack Murphy Stadium.

1993: Sockers Move to CISL

In 1993, the Sockers moved to the Continental Indoor Soccer League (CISL) after the folding of the NASL.

1997: Sockers Fold

In 1997, the Sockers folded after playing in the Continental Indoor Soccer League.

1999: MLS All-Star Game Hosted

In 1999, the renovated Jack Murphy Stadium (renamed Qualcomm Stadium) hosted the MLS All-Star Game, drawing an attendance of 23,277.

2001: Sockers Revived (Second Indoor Team)

In 2001, the Sockers name was revived for a second indoor team.

2004: Second Indoor Sockers Team Ends

In 2004, the second indoor Sockers team ceased operations.

2007: Club Tijuana Founded

In 2007, Club Tijuana (nicknamed the Xolos) was founded across the Mexican border.

2009: Sockers Revived (Third Indoor Team)

In 2009, the Sockers name was revived for a third indoor team.

2011: Club Tijuana Promoted to Liga MX

In 2011, Club Tijuana was promoted to Liga MX—Mexico's top-flight league.

2015: Chargers Relocation Plans Announced

In 2015, the San Diego Chargers announced plans to relocate to the Los Angeles area.

2017: Chargers Departure and MLS Expansion Bid

In early 2017, the San Diego Chargers' departure was made official, opening an opportunity for a new MLS expansion bid led by Mike Stone.

November 2018: SoccerCity Proposal Defeated

In November 2018, the SoccerCity proposal was defeated with 30 percent of votes, while SDSU West earned 55 percent approval in the ballot.

2019: San Diego Loyal SC Established

In 2019, San Diego Loyal SC, a second-division team, was established by Warren Smith and Landon Donovan.

December 2020: Sycuan Tribe Seeks Sports Investment

In December 2020, the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation began looking for opportunities to invest in sports ownership.

October 2022: Stadium Agreement Reported

In October 2022, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that the proposed team would require an agreement with SDSU to use Snapdragon Stadium.

2022: Snapdragon Stadium Opened

In 2022, Snapdragon Stadium opened and became the home of San Diego Wave FC.

April 2023: Chula Vista Stadium Proposal

In April 2023, a proposal to build a mixed-use residential and hotel district in Chula Vista with a soccer-specific stadium was announced by Petra Development Group and outside investors.

May 2023: Lease Agreement Signed with SDSU

In May 2023, San Diego FC signed a lease agreement with San Diego State University for the use of Snapdragon Stadium, costing an estimated $200,000 per match.

May 2023: Team Name as Placeholder

In May 2023, San Diego FC was used as a working name and placeholder at the time of the expansion announcement.

May 18, 2023: Expansion Team Awarded

On May 18, 2023, San Diego was awarded an MLS expansion team led by Mohamed Mansour and the Sycuan Tribe.

November 2023: Training Facility Construction Begins

In November 2023, construction began on the Sharp HealthCare Performance Center, the team's training facility.

December 2023: First Player Signed

In December 2023, San Diego FC signed their first player, Duran Ferree, and loaned him to Orange County SC for the 2024 season.

2023: Stadium Hosted International Friendlies

Since 2023, Snapdragon Stadium has hosted international friendlies and CONCACAF competitions.

May 2024: Partnership with Club Tijuana Announced

In May 2024, San Diego FC announced a five-year partnership with Club Tijuana, including an annual friendly match hosted in San Diego.

July 18, 2024: Jersey Sponsorship with DirecTV Announced

On July 18, 2024, San Diego FC announced their first jersey sponsorship with El Segundo-based DirecTV.

September 2024: Mikey Varas Appointed First Head Coach

In September 2024, Mikey Varas was appointed as San Diego FC's first head coach. He was previously the interim coach of the United States men's national team and had coached the United States under-20 team.

November 20, 2024: Juan Mata Joins Ownership Group

On November 20, 2024, San Diego FC announced that Spanish footballer Juan Mata joined their ownership group.

December 13, 2024: First Jersey Unveiled

On December 13, 2024, the team's first jersey was unveiled, featuring a dark "azul" background with white trim and red to blue gradient piping.

2024: Player Loan to Orange County SC

In 2024, Duran Ferree, the first player signed by San Diego FC, was loaned to Orange County SC.

2024: CONCACAF W Gold Cup Final Hosted

In 2024, Snapdragon Stadium hosted the CONCACAF W Gold Cup final.

January 2025: Lozano Joins Training Camp

In January 2025, Hirving "Chucky" Lozano remained with PSV until the first San Diego FC training camp.

January 2025: Grass Replacement at Stadium

In January 2025, the natural grass surface at Snapdragon Stadium was switched to Bermuda grass.

February 4, 2025: Training Facility Opens

On February 4, 2025, the Sharp HealthCare Performance Center opened on the Sycuan Reservation.

February 2025: Tems Joins Ownership Group

In February 2025, San Diego FC announced that Tems has joined the ownership group.

February 2025: Secondary Jersey Released

In February 2025, the secondary jersey, named "Woven Into One", was released featuring a white color with navy blue and light blue accents.

February 23, 2025: Inaugural Match vs. LA Galaxy

On February 23, 2025, San Diego FC played their first match at Dignity Health Sports Park against LA Galaxy, winning 2–0.

March 1, 2025: First Home Match at Snapdragon Stadium

On March 1, 2025, San Diego FC played their first home match at Snapdragon Stadium against St. Louis City SC, resulting in a 0–0 tie. However, the match was marred by instances of the homophobic "puto" chant.