Soccer in the United States is still growing, and San Diego FC just proved it is not just another team contributing to the league. Snapdragon Stadium was packed with 34,506 supporters last weekend, the largest attendance for any sporting event at the stadium. However, beyond the record-breaking number, this game marked the beginning of a new era for the city as much as for MLS itself.
After a 2-0 victory against LA Galaxy, the reigning MLS Cup winners, in their opener, anticipation for the first home game was huge. The team was confident, the supporters showed up in full force, and even the co-owners Issa Rae and Manny Machado were on hand to witness the moment.
A debut that goes beyond the field
In any sport, first impression is lasting. And San Diego FC is taking full advantage of the spotlight. After having beaten the reigning MLS Cup champions, LA Galaxy, the team arrived confident to its first home game against St. Louis CITY SC. The setting was perfect, with a sold-out crowd.
But since soccer likes to add twists to its greatest stories, the party took a different turn. In the 31st minute, the team's standout player, Chucky Lozano, left the field with what appeared to be an injury. It is not yet known what impact his absence will have, but the celebration gave way to inevitable concern.
A draw with an unspecified feeling
The match finished goalless. And depending on one's perspective, it can be viewed differently.
For San Diego FC, the tie maintains the team's undefeated status. Two matches, no defeats, and a beginning that continues to justify the early hype. But with huge crowd support and an atmosphere designed to be memorable, walking off the field without a goal felt bittersweet.
In the meantime, St. Louis CITY SC, another new MLS expansion team, showed that they did not join the league to play second best. Performing in front of a packed stadium and holding up against the pressure of a team that was set on putting on a show is a sign of maturity.
San Diego FC is a club born big
It is rare that a team enters MLS with such a bang right away. San Diego FC had its identity in place even before it started playing, and that made all the difference. The project has backing in terms of money, a city that got behind the idea, and an atmosphere that already places the team in the most promising ones in the league.
Now, everybody's wondering whether the team is capable of maintaining this rhythm. With a decent squad but uncertainties about Chucky Lozano's condition, the response begins to take shape in the next game against Real Salt Lake, away from home. Afterwards, the fourth round will bring another opportunity to get the first home victory at Snapdragon Stadium, this time against Columbus Crew.