San Diego, February 11, 2026
San Diego FC, the new Major League Soccer team, has wrapped up its inaugural season with outstanding performance, achieving the highest points for an expansion team in MLS history. The club finished atop the Western Conference with 63 points and showcased impressive playoff skills by beating the Portland Timbers in front of a packed crowd at Snapdragon Stadium. The team’s leadership and community engagement efforts post a promising outlook for professional soccer’s growth in San Diego.
San Diego, CA
San Diego FC Achieves Historic Milestone in Inaugural Season
San Diego FC, the city’s new Major League Soccer (MLS) team, has concluded its inaugural season with remarkable success, setting a new record for expansion teams in the league.
In their first season, San Diego FC secured the top position in the Western Conference, amassing 63 points—a record for an MLS expansion team. The team also made a strong playoff debut, defeating the Portland Timbers 2–1 at Snapdragon Stadium on October 26, 2025, in front of 32,500 fans. This victory marked the largest crowd for a sporting event at Snapdragon Stadium. The team’s first home match at Snapdragon Stadium was on March 1, 2025, against St. Louis City SC, which ended in a 0–0 tie before 34,506 fans. However, the match was marred by instances of the homophobic “puto” chant throughout, leading to a joint campaign by the club and the San Diego Independent Supporters Union to prevent the chant at future home games—adopting the phrase “Not here”.
San Diego FC played its home matches at Snapdragon Stadium, a 35,000-seat venue located on the campus of San Diego State University. The stadium, which opened in 2022, is primarily used by the university for Aztecs college football games and also hosts San Diego Wave FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The stadium was built to soccer specifications with various fixtures that meet MLS standards; however, it lacks a roof or other weather protection. The natural grass surface, which had been criticized during Wave matches and football games, was switched to Bermuda grass in January 2025 and is scheduled to be replaced again in August or September. In February 2025, the club announced that Tems has joined the ownership group.
The team’s inaugural head coach, Mikey Varas, was appointed in September 2024. He had been the interim coach of the United States men’s national team for two matches and had previously coached the United States under-20 team. Tom Penn was named the club’s chief executive officer on May 18, 2023; he was previously president of Los Angeles FC during their launch. By late 2024, San Diego FC had 70 employees at their headquarters.
San Diego FC’s successful debut season has generated significant excitement and optimism for the future of professional soccer in San Diego, setting a strong foundation for the team’s growth and development in the coming years.
Record-Breaking Performance
San Diego FC’s inaugural season has been a triumph, establishing a noteworthy record as the highest-scoring expansion team in MLS history with 63 points. This has not only elevated the team’s stature within the league but has also invigorated the local community’s passion for soccer.
Playoff Debut
Making a memorable entrance into the playoffs, San Diego FC triumphed over the Portland Timbers, showcasing their resilience and skill. The exciting atmosphere during the game at Snapdragon Stadium underscored the community’s strong support and love for the team.
The Home Ground: Snapdragon Stadium
Snapdragon Stadium has become a central hub for soccer in San Diego. Designed to meet MLS quality standards, this 35,000-seat venue is a critical asset for local sports, benefiting from its multi-purpose use. The transition to Bermuda grass serves to enhance the playing conditions, solidifying the stadium’s role in San Diego’s athletic culture.
Leadership Driving Success
Under the strategic direction of CEO Tom Penn and head coach Mikey Varas, San Diego FC is on an optimistic trajectory. Their leadership choices reflect an understanding of both the local market and the broader landscape of professional soccer, fostering an environment ripe for growth.
Community Initiatives
San Diego FC has actively engaged with its fan base, particularly highlighted by efforts to combat negative chants during matches. This illustrates a commitment not only to sporting excellence but also to creating a welcoming and respectful atmosphere for all fans—an example of community-driven initiatives that can bolster local pride and engagement.
Conclusion
San Diego FC’s inaugural season has set a remarkable precedent for what professional soccer can achieve in the region. With record-setting performance, strong community support, and a talented leadership team, the future looks bright for the club. Supporting local endeavors like San Diego FC is vital for sustaining San Diego’s economic vitality and fostering a burgeoning soccer culture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is San Diego FC’s record for an MLS expansion team?
San Diego FC secured the top position in the Western Conference, amassing 63 points—a record for an MLS expansion team.
Who is San Diego FC’s inaugural head coach?
The team’s inaugural head coach, Mikey Varas, was appointed in September 2024. He had been the interim coach of the United States men’s national team for two matches and had previously coached the United States under-20 team.
Where does San Diego FC play its home matches?
San Diego FC played its home matches at Snapdragon Stadium, a 35,000-seat venue located on the campus of San Diego State University. The stadium opened in 2022 and is primarily used by the university for Aztecs college football games. It also hosts San Diego Wave FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
What is the significance of the match against St. Louis City SC on March 1, 2025?
The match against St. Louis City SC on March 1, 2025, was San Diego FC’s first home match at Snapdragon Stadium, which ended in a 0–0 tie before 34,506 fans. However, the match was marred by instances of the homophobic “puto” chant throughout, leading to a joint campaign by the club and the San Diego Independent Supporters Union to prevent the chant at future home games—adopting the phrase “Not here”.
Who is the CEO of San Diego FC?
Tom Penn was named the club’s chief executive officer on May 18, 2023; he was previously president of Los Angeles FC during their launch. By late 2024, San Diego FC had 70 employees at their headquarters.
Key Features of San Diego FC’s Inaugural Season
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Season Record | Top position in the Western Conference with 63 points, setting a record for an MLS expansion team. |
| Playoff Performance | Defeated the Portland Timbers 2–1 at Snapdragon Stadium on October 26, 2025, in front of 32,500 fans. |
| Home Stadium | Snapdragon Stadium, a 35,000-seat venue located on the campus of San Diego State University, opened in 2022. |
| Inaugural Head Coach | Mikey Varas, appointed in September 2024, previously interim coach of the U.S. men’s national team and coach of the U.S. under-20 team. |
| CEO | Tom Penn, named CEO on May 18, 2023; previously president of Los Angeles FC during their launch. |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
