San Diego FC (SDFC) is set to take the field on Sunday, February 25, for the first time in Major League Soccer, facing off against the reigning MLS Cup champions, LA Galaxy, at Dignity Health Sports Park — marking a historic moment for the club and soccer fans alike. This highly anticipated matchup will kick off at 4 p.m. PT (7 p.m. ET) and will be available for viewing on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV, with radio broadcasts on San Diego Sports 760 AM (KGB-AM) and TUDN 1700 AM.
San Diego FC's inaugural game signifies the arrival of the 30th franchise to Major League Soccer during its 30th anniversary season. Under the leadership of Head Coach Mikey Varas and Sporting Director Tyler Heaps, the club is eager to make its mark on the national soccer stage.
The roster is composed of seasoned professionals and rising stars, ensuring SDFC has the potential to impact immediately. Key players include Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, who brings international experience from his stellar career, and Lucas de la Torre, the San Diego native and U.S. Men's National Team standout who has played across Europe. Other notable names are Emmanuel Boateng, who has championship experience from his time with the Columbus Crew, and European talents like Marcus ingvartsen and Jeppe Tverskov, along with Paddy McNair from the Manchester United youth academy.
For many local fans, this moment is monumental. San Diego has seen the loss of other professional teams over the years, making the introduction of San Diego FC feel like the return of excitement to the local sports scene. Fans are eager to rally together and support this new team, which promises to honor its community.
“It’s important we bring a product to the community here,” Varas said. “San Diego is a creative place, and we want our play to be reflective of the vibrant people and hard-working community we are part of.”
On the other side of the pitch, the LA Galaxy enter this season with their own set of challenges, as head coach Greg Vanney will be without key players Riqui Puig and Joseph Paintsil due to injuries. The Galaxy, known for their attacking prowess, recently bolstered their squad during the offseason with acquisitions like striker Christian Ramirez, who scored nine goals for the Columbus Crew last season.
The Galaxy have not lost at home since the 2023 regular season and will look to maintain their strong form, having gone unbeaten through all their home matches last year. Still, fans will be watching closely to see which Galaxy team shows up, especially with the recent departure of several key players.
San Diego FC’s roster boasts exciting prospects and collective experience but entering the match against the defending champions at this point is certainly no easy task. “Our preparations have focused on building chemistry and developing our tactical approach,” Varas mentioned. “We know this will be the toughest challenge yet, and we’re ready to compete.”
Competing against established teams like the LA Galaxy will sharpen SDFC’s skills and help establish the club's identity. While excitement fills the air for their inaugural match, scrutiny is high. This match sets the tone for what fans hope to be the start of something special.
After this historic matchup, SDFC will host its first-ever home match at Snapdragon Stadium against St. Louis CITY SC on March 1, making it clear the club is on the rise. Only one of the previous six MLS expansion teams has won their inaugural match, so history is not on SDFC's side, but hope is alive among its fan base.
Regardless of the outcome, the eyes of the soccer world will be on the San Diego FC as they strive to create moments they hope fans will cherish for years to come. The commitment to community engagement and the promise of exciting soccer should make for an unforgettable debut.