The latest expansion team in Major League Soccer, San Diego FC is already in the news even before the start of their first season. It is worth to note that the expansion franchise has been very active in the transfer market and has signed some of the international players.
The most exciting signee of the season is a Spanish midfielder with champions league experience whose role in the team’s attacking trident has been lauded already in the town. The club has also invested in experienced MLS players to bring leadership and MLS knowledge into a team that will be entering the competitive environment of the American soccer.
Off the field, San Diego FC has been equally aggressive in as far as its community partnership is concerned. The club has put into practice a productive youth development policy that focuses on the production of young talents that are within the country and formation of a production line from the junior leagues to the senior team. A well-equipped training complex, which also has classrooms for young players, indicates the desire of the franchise to create a soccer powerhouse in the long term in terms of both training and schooling.
Marketing strategies employed by the club have been quite creative to represent the image of the city Taking advantage of the cultural and natural attractions in the city. Their jersey reveal which held on one of the famous beach location, was trending on social media the day it happened and has contributed positively to the increase in pre-orders. The team’s environmental responsibility has also been applauded, and their stadium is fitted with new age technologies of environmental conservation.
The ticket sales have also roared into the season as the club has already announced several sell-outs of their home games. The interest shown in San Diego FC has not escaped the attention of the league with MLS commissioner Don Garber describing the franchise as a benchmark for future expansion teams.
The effects of San Diego FC are not only confined within the city of San Diego, but also for the entire southern California since they have introduced the zeal of soccer in the league. Games against their city rivals LA Galaxy and expansion team LAFC are already penciled down as some of the hot fixtures in the coming MLS fixtures.
San Diego FC has the goals, support and motivation to make a big splash in their first year and could change the face of Major League Soccer in doing so.