
<p>The United Soccer League announced the San Diego Loyal will play its final season in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/usl-championship-tv-schedule/">USL Championship</a> in 2023. With an ownership group led by Andrew Vassiliadis and Landon Donovan, the San Diego Loyal built a strong base in the area. The side only played its first game in the USL Championship in 2020.</p>



<p>USL accredited the departure of the San Diego Loyal to the lack of a viable future stadium. The club plays its games at Torero Stadium on the campus of the University of San Diego. The 6,000-seat stadium averaged 4,519 fans per game last season, which <a href="https://soccerstadiumdigest.com/2022-usl-championship-attendance/">ranked No. 15</a> out of the 27 USL Championship clubs. However, Vassiliadis and Donovan could not secure a future stadium.</p>



<p>“Having a modern, commercially viable stadium solution is vital to our clubs’ long-term success and is a pillar of the USL’s growth strategy,” said USL Deputy CEO Justin Papadakis. “Despite collectively pursuing multiple potential options with SD Loyal’s leadership in the San Diego area, an appropriate stadium solution has not materialized.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A message from San Diego Loyal SC Chairman, Andrew Vassiliadis. <a href="https://t.co/9Xkf1mEijX">pic.twitter.com/9Xkf1mEijX</a></p>— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/SanDiegoLoyal/status/1694741571143672234?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>Arrival of MLS club impacting USL in San Diego</h2>



<p>However, the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/san-diego-poised-for-next-mls-expansion-franchise-20230508-WST-432068.html">arrival of a new MLS team</a> is truly damaging to USL’s status in San Diego. That team, which will have far more funding as an <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/mls-tv-schedule/">MLS</a> team, would <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/san-diego-mls-bid-sets-up-battle-vs-landon-donovan-usl-team-20230511-WST-432432.html">compete directly with the San Diego Loyal</a>. Moreover, while the San Diego Loyal struggled to find a home, the San Diego MLS team is using Snapdragon Stadium as its venue. Snapdragon Stadium holds about 30,000 more fans than Torero Stadium.</p>



<p>While the San Diego MLS club will not start play until the 2025 campaign, San Diego Loyal is calling it quits at the end of the 2023 campaign. The USL club has four home games remaining at Torero Stadium. Vassiliadis encouraged fans to come out and celebrate the club for the remainder of its final season. The Loyal is currently in a playoff position, having qualified for the playoffs in both previous campaigns. </p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / piemags</em></p>


USL to leave San Diego after 2023 with MLS coming to town

The United Soccer League announced the San Diego Loyal will play its final season in the USL Championship in 2023.


<p>In a groundbreaking development, the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/usl-championship-tv-schedule/">USL Championship</a> and ESPN have<a href="https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/95436/usl-championship-and-league-one-will-return-on-esp.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> jointly</a> announced the first-ever nationally televised doubleheader in the league’s history.</p>



<p>It is scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 19. The momentous occasion will commence with Detroit City FC hosting Las Vegas Lights FC at Keyworth Stadium.</p>



<p>It will be followed by San Diego Loyal SC’s matchup against New Mexico United at Torero Stadium. The event culminates in the exciting double feature.</p>



<p>ESPN2 will broadcast the historic event. With an ardent fanbase that ranks among the most passionate in North America, Detroit City FC is all set to go head-to-head against Las Vegas Lights FC at 7:30 p.m. ET in an interconference showdown.</p>



<p>This match will serve as a highly anticipated rematch between the two teams, with Le Rouge securing a 1-0 triumph in their previous encounter last July. Drawing inspiration from that memorable performance, the hosts will strive to replicate their success. Their aim is for a second consecutive appearance in the USL Championship Playoffs.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">𝗧𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁&apos;𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁! 🤩<br><br>Tune in to ESPN2 at 11:00 p.m. ET to watch <a href="https://twitter.com/PHXRisingFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PHXRisingFC</a> face off against <a href="https://twitter.com/Memphis901FC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Memphis901FC</a>!<br><br>You don&apos;t wanna miss it! 😏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PHXvMEM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PHXvMEM</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USLonESPN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USLonESPN</a> <a href="https://t.co/Z4EcJIst3E">pic.twitter.com/Z4EcJIst3E</a></p>— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) <a href="https://twitter.com/USLChampionship/status/1675142217311338496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>New Mexico United seek revenge in USL Championship</h2>



<p>In a match brimming with playoff implications for Western Conference contenders, San Diego Loyal SC and New Mexico United will lock horns. Led by hometown talent and former U.S. international Joe Corona, SD Loyal have transformed Torero Stadium into a fortress.</p>



<p>Seeking their third consecutive postseason appearance, they will face a resilient New Mexico United side under the guidance of newly appointed Head Coach Eric Quill. </p>



<p>Bolstered by the presence of El Salvador international Amando Moreno, New Mexico United aim to climb the standings. They are confident after a thrilling 1-1 draw in their previous visit to San Diego in 2021.</p>



<h2>When do the games start on ESPN2?</h2>



<p>These two fixtures will take center stage among six captivating <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/usl/">USL</a> Championship games broadcast on ESPN2. The action commences this Saturday, July 1, with Phoenix Rising FC hosting Memphis 901 FC at 11 p.m. ET.</p>



<p>Fans can catch all other regular season and playoff matches live on ESPN+ domestically.</p>



<p>Meanwhile, international viewers can access the games through the league’s broadcast partners in Latin America and Europe.</p>



<p>YouTube streams will be available for the rest of the world.</p>



<p>Photo credit: IMAGO &amp; Icon Sportswire</p>


On August 19, the USL Championship will debut the first ever doubleheader to be broadcast on national television

USL Championship partner with ESPN for major doubleheader


<p>Borussia Dortmund has added a third match to their upcoming United States summer tour. The German giants had already <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/schedule-of-soccer-friendlies-in-us-this-summer/">summer friendlies in the United States</a> against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/chelsea-tv-schedule/">Chelsea</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">Manchester United</a>. However, Dortmund will now play San Diego Loyal on July 27 at Snapdragon Stadium. The arena is also set to host a matchup between <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/wrexham-vs-man-united-tickets-now-available-for-july-game-20230327-WST-425550.html">Wrexham and the Red Devils</a> two days earlier.</p>



<p>“With the World Cup coming up in 2026, we wanted to shift our focus to the North American market,” Dortmund’s country manager for the U.S. Julius Everke told <a href="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/soccer/story/2023-06-06/soccer-san-diego-loyal-germany-borussia-dortmund-snapdragon-stadium-friendly-north-american-tour" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>The</em> <em>San Diego Union-Tribune</em></a>. “We wanted to remain true to our local roots and play a local team. We have a special connection to our fans. We’re all about emotions and respect.”</p>



<p>“The idea is not just to come to the United States for financial reasons. We want to help develop the game and give back. We want to have the big, glamorous games. But we also want to have a local connection.”</p>



<h2>San Diego Loyal excited for opportunity to host Borussia Dortmund</h2>



<p>The Loyal currently competes in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/usl-championship-tv-schedule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USL Championship</a>. They were founded just four years ago with former <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/usmnt-tv-schedule/">USMNT</a> stars Landon Donovan and Deandre Yedlin as co-owners. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/borussia-dortmund-tv-schedule/">Dortmund</a> will undoubtedly be the most marquee opponent in the team’s history. Club president Ricardo Campos also shared his excitement about the upcoming fixture.</p>


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<p>“We’re thrilled to welcome Borussia Dortmund to San Diego,” <a href="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/soccer/story/2023-06-06/soccer-san-diego-loyal-germany-borussia-dortmund-snapdragon-stadium-friendly-north-american-tour" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proclaimed</a> Campos. “Our players, coaches, and fans alike can’t wait to compete against one of the elite European clubs come July.”</p>



<h5>Bundesliga club returning to U.S. for first time in 4 years</h5>



<p>Dortmund will play the game in San Diego three days before they face Manchester United in Las Vegas. The Germans are then set to travel to Chicago to play Chelsea on Wednesday, August 2. It will be the first U.S. tour for the <a href="https://www.worldsoccertalk.com/bundesliga-tv-schedule" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bundesliga</a> side since 2019.</p>



<p>Tickets for the Dortmund-Loyal match will go on sale on Friday, June 9th at 9 a.m. local time. These can be purchased exclusively at Ticketmaster.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Revierfoto</em></p>


Borussia Dortmund has announced a preseason matchup with San Diego Loyal in late July, which brings the club's game count to three.

Dortmund adds San Diego to summer tour schedule


<p>The latest battleground in the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Soccerwarz-Inside-Americas-Soccer-Between-ebook/dp/B01DUYRABE/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“Soccer Warz”</a> appears to be set, on the coast of southern California. Newspaper reports <a href="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/soccer/story/2023-05-06/major-league-soccer-mls-san-diego-expansion-franchise-snapdragon-stadium-sycuan-mansour-group" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">indicate</a> that a San Diego MLS franchise will be announced in the coming weeks, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/san-diego-poised-for-next-mls-expansion-franchise-20230508-WST-432068.html">adding the league’s 30th team</a> as early as 2025. The new team would play at Snapdragon Stadium, home of San Diego State University and the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nwsl-tv-schedule-and-streaming-links/">NWSL</a>‘s San Diego Wave.</p>



<p>There’s an elephant in the room, though. San Diego already has a professional men’s soccer club. In fact, it already has two. And it appears that this MLS effort has nothing to do with either of them.</p>



<p>This sets up more drama in the eternal competition between independent soccer leagues in the US. </p>



<p>The San Diego Loyal of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/usl-championship-tv-schedule/">USL Championship</a> (division 2) are currently in their fourth season. The Loyal’s co-owner and Executive Vice President is USMNT icon Landon Donovan. Donovan was also the club’s head coach for its first three seasons. This is the very same Landon Donovan who MLS has named their annual MVP award after.<br><br>Meanwhile Albion San Diego (formerly San Diego 1904 FC) of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nisa-tv-schedule/">NISA</a> (D3) are playing in their fifth season. Albion started as an amateur NPSL side, at the top of a robust youth setup, in 2016. They merged with 1904 and took over the professional team in late 2021.<br><br>But now the fate of both of these clubs is now up in the air as MLS looks poised to move into town.</p>



<h4>“We aren’t going anywhere.”</h4>



<p>In the wake of the news that San Diego MLS is imminent, the Loyal <a href="https://twitter.com/SanDiegoLoyal/status/1656358558911586304" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">released a statement</a> from their owner Andrew Vassiliadis, stating their intent to continue on.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="497" height="497" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20230511_WST_432432_SDLoyalStatement.webp&amp;width=497&amp;height=497" alt="" class="wp-image-432435" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/05/SDLoyalStatement.jpg 497w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/05/SDLoyalStatement-300x300.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/05/SDLoyalStatement-150x150.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 497px) 100vw, 497px"></figure></div></figure></div>



<p>The “Loyal” name was at least partly inspired by the NFL’s San Diego Chargers abandoning the city in 2017, shortly before the soccer club was founded. Now the <em>loyalty</em> of Loyal supporters and ownership is certainly put to the test as the new San Diego MLS franchise comes to life. Particularly for MLS legend Landon Donovan, this will be a difficult situation.</p>



<p>A small handful of lower division clubs have survived MLS coming to town. Even fewer have been able to thrive. The Loyal have a tough road ahead of them if they truly intend to stick it out.  </p>



<h4>Par for the course</h4>



<p>This is just the latest instance of MLS picking off markets/clubs from the lower divisions. Since 2009, all but one of the 17 MLS expansion teams in that time has been either a lower division club moving up, or the league placing a new team in a lower division market. Only the Philadelphia Union did not displace an existing professional club in another league in some way when they were announced:</p>



<ul><li>Seattle Sounders (moved from USL-1)</li><li><em>Philadelphia Union (no pro lower league club active in market when founded)</em></li><li>Vancouver Whitecaps (moved from USL-1/NASL)</li><li>Portland Timbers (moved from USL-1)</li><li>Montréal Impact (moved from NASL)</li><li>Orlando City (moved from USLPro)</li><li>NYCFC (NASL New York Cosmos active in market)</li><li>Minnesota United (moved from NASL)</li><li>Atlanta United (team awarded in 2014, NASL Atlanta Silverbacks active in market)</li><li>LAFC (Orange County SC active in market)</li><li>FC Cincinnati (moved from USL Championship)</li><li>Inter Miami (NASL Fort Lauderdale Strikers &amp; Miami FC active when announced)</li><li>Nashville SC (moved from USL Championship)</li><li>Austin FC (USL Austin Bold FC active in market)</li><li>Charlotte FC (USL Charlotte Independence active in market)</li><li>St. Louis City (effectively replaced USL St. Louis FC)</li><li>San Diego (USL Loyal &amp; NISA Albion active in market)</li></ul>



<p>This situation can have a destabilizing effect on the lower divisions. If a club itself moves up, the lower league loses one of its strongest organizations. When a lower division club isn’t involved in a local MLS bid, it can easily fold entirely. If it tries to co-exist with the MLS club, it finds itself in a very tough competition for fan, sponsor, and media support.</p>



<p>But before USL or Loyal cries foul, they’ve been guilty of the exact same behavior in the past. </p>



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<h4>A system-wide issue </h4>



<p>San Diego 1904 FC, now Albion San Diego, was announced as an NASL expansion team in 2016, planning to kick off in 2018. It even had Demba Ba and Eden Hazard as founding members of the ownership group. But when the NASL fell apart after 2017, the club had no place to play. They were unsuccessful in joining USL, so eventually began play in 2019 in NISA. Later that same year, USL announced the Loyal would be joining their league in 2020. It wasn’t the first time the league did something like this, either.</p>



<p>In 2018, USL announced that the Chattanooga Red Wolves would be Division 3 League One team, encroaching on the territory of successful NPSL/NISA side Chattanooga FC. The new team attempted to push CFC out of their stadium, and even poached some CFC staff and its women’s side. Around the same time, USL League One’s Lansing Ignite scuttled the Lansing United NPSL side, before folding after just one season in 2019.</p>



<p>And this type of league activity is also rampant in the amateur levels, with leagues nicking clubs from competing leagues every year.</p>



<p>The San Diego story is basically American professional soccer in a nutshell. Nobody working together, cash running the show, and the USSF nowhere to be found. Meanwhile, two clubs – and all the player, coaching, and staff opportunities they provide to the game – are now at risk.</p>



<p>Hopefully the Loyal, and Albion, can survive and continue to grow and prosper. And hopefully the new MLS team does well too. In an ideal world, all three could coexist in southern California, carving out their niches, and the results on the field would be all that mattered. But US Soccer is far too often <em>not</em> an ideal world. Sadly, the reality is it’s probably time to start making up a couple more tombstones and digging some new grave plots in the US pro soccer cemetery. </p>



<p><em>photos: Imago</em></p>


A San Diego MLS franchise appears to be on the way. What does it mean for Landon Donovan's USL side and soccer in the market?

San Diego MLS bid vs Landon Donovan's USL team heats up - World Soccer Talk

San Diego MLS bid vs Landon Donovan's USL team heats up

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<p>San Diego is on the verge of becoming the latest <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/mls-tv-schedule/">MLS</a> expansion franchise location. After a number of close calls in getting a club, the southern California city will be the 30th MLS club. </p>



<p>According to the <em><a href="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/soccer/story/2023-05-06/major-league-soccer-mls-san-diego-expansion-franchise-snapdragon-stadium-sycuan-mansour-group" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">San Diego Union-Tribune</a></em>, the announcement from MLS in bringing a club to the area could be as soon as just one or two weeks from now. The newspaper identified an Egyptian billionaire and the local Sycuan tribe preparing a bid to present to Major League Soccer. The expansion would cost the owners in the area of $500 million. </p>



<p>While the current projections do not have a team name or any plans for on-the-field activity, it does identify some of the frameworks of the club. Among those is the location of the club. Snapdragon Stadium, located just 15 minutes from the center of San Diego, is the potential venue.</p>



<p>As of now, there is already a men’s professional side in San Diego, the San Diego Loyal. That club only made its debut in 2020. As of now, the <em>Union-Tribune</em> does not know of any correlation between the two. San Diego Loyal plays out of Torero Stadium, which regularly sells out for the USLC side. </p>



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<p>That stadium only has a capacity of around 6,000. Snapdragon Stadium houses the San Diego State Aztecs football team and the San Diego Wave of NWSL. Its capacity is 35,000. That would be the third-biggest venue in Major League Soccer.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">San Diego could become Major League Soccer&apos;s 30th franchise as soon as mid-May.<br><br>MLS is in talks on a lease at SDSU&apos;s Snapdragon Stadium and an expansion fee in the $500 million range, per <a href="https://twitter.com/sdut?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sdut</a>. <a href="https://t.co/N5JwwjgOvT">pic.twitter.com/N5JwwjgOvT</a></p>— Front Office Sports (@FOS) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOS/status/1655629327097114669?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Moreover, San Diego State Athletic Director John David Wicker said the stadium is ready for MLS. “Based on the soccer we’re having this summer, it shows that this venue is truly built for great soccer, and getting MLS is the last real piece of the puzzle,” he said.</p>



<h2>San Diego MLS expansion side confident over prospect</h2>



<p>The projected owners of this San Diego MLS expansion team are two-fold. One of those is the Sycuan tribe of southern California. The tribe owns hotels, and one of those could be the location for the team’s official announcement. The other principal owner is Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Mansour of the Mansour Group. Part of the MLS expansion in San Diego includes building a leg of the Mansour Group’s <em>Right to Dream</em>. This is a youth development academy for soccer with camps across the world.  </p>



<p>The two put out a joint statement discussing the current situation and any potential developments.</p>



<p>“We continue to push forward with confidence, and we are working together to make the deal a reality,” the statement read. “While we are still in the due diligence process, we remain excited about the prospect of bringing Major League Soccer to San Diego, a city and community with such a rich cultural and sporting heritage.”</p>



<p>The <em>Union-Tribune</em> claims the announcement over the MLS side can be as soon as May 18 at either Snapdragon Stadium or the US Grant Hotel in downtown San Diego. MLS did not provide a statement to the newspaper about the potential for a team. Play for this MLS side would likely start with the 2025 campaign.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Sports Press Photo</em></p>



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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/how-to-get-mls-season-pass-20230203-WST-417725.html"><strong>Sign up:</strong></a> Learn <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/how-to-get-mls-season-pass-20230203-WST-417725.html">how to subscribe</a> to MLS Season Pass</div>
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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/mls-season-pass-announcers-and-analysts-for-apple-deal-20230203-WST-416042.html"><strong>Commentators:</strong></a> Check out <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/mls-season-pass-announcers-and-analysts-for-apple-deal-20230203-WST-416042.html">who&apos;s</a> calling the action for the MLS season</div>
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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/how-to-watch-mls-season-pass-on-android-20230203-WST-416910.html"><strong>Android users</strong></a> Tips for fans <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/how-to-watch-mls-season-pass-on-android-20230203-WST-416910.html">Android users</a> on how to watch MLS Season Pass</div>
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San Diego could be remarkably close to adding an MLS expansion side as soon as 2025. An announcement could arrive this month.

ALL POSTS TAGGED "San Diego Loyal"

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