San Diego FC: From Cinderella to MLS Title Contender

San Diego FC: The Audacity That Defies Expectations in MLS

In soccer, where a goal can define success or failure, prudence is often the norm. However, San Diego FC, the newest expansion team in MLS, has opted for a different path, betting on a risky but promising style of play.

We came to this league and did a lot of analysis. There are many different ways to win in football, and I think one of the things we wanted to ask ourselves was: “Could we win in a different way?”
Tyler Heaps, Sporting Director

Initial doubts about the team’s immediate impact were palpable. With a debuting sports director and head coach, both focused on a bold style of play that prioritizes tactical pressure and relies on young players, the predictions were not favorable. They were expected to finish in last place in the Western Conference.

San Diego FC celebra — De equipo de expansión a contendiente al título de la MLS, San Diego ha disfrutado de una temporada inaugural estelar.

But months later, defying expectations and thriving in uncertainty, San Diego FC is one step away from the MLS Cup final. The 1-0 home victory over Minnesota United in the Western Conference semi-final was celebrated with the anthem “All the Small Things” by Blink-182, a nod to the small details that the team has known how to take advantage of.

Start with a vision: Who do you want to be? Have big ambitions, but have convictions because it’s not easy, and it’s never a linear path. There will always be ups and downs, but having convictions to stand firm in all moments has been really important.
Mikey Varas, Head Coach

The team has maintained its style of play, attracting opponents and then overcoming them. With key players like Anders Dreyer and Mexican star Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, the team has shown itself to be offensive, although vulnerable to counterattacks. This strategy has generated moments of tension, such as in the semifinal against Minnesota, where a save on the goal line and a missed shot kept the match in suspense.

I love having the ball and building from the back… regardless of whether there have been mistakes or not, we’ve stuck to it. We play our way. Sometimes it doesn’t work out, but we always stay firm.
Christopher McVey, Defender

The San Diego FC’s approach is based on the principles of Right to Dream, a global network of academies with roots in Ghana. Heaps, using data and strategic signings, has been key in this project. His inspiration from the movie “Moneyball” led him to focus on the sport. The team has surprised, defeating the Los Angeles Galaxy and setting records for points and wins for an expansion team in MLS. In the playoffs, with a young defense, they have shown their confidence in young talents.

We have a solid foundation for a truly healthy and competitive culture, with a group of players who are truly committed to the style of play and victory.
Mikey Varas, Head Coach

The team’s message is summed up in one sentence: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This message was tested after an incident in the locker room involving Lozano, who was excluded from some matches. Despite this, the team won, demonstrating the importance of the collective. Lozano returned and, after apologizing, was fundamental in the victory against Portland. Coach Varas highlighted the consistency in the team’s vision. In the semi-final, Dreyer’s goal in the 72nd minute sealed the victory, proving that one goal was enough. San Diego FC will face the Vancouver Whitecaps in the Western Conference final.

We’ve had a good season, but we want more. Sometimes, as a player, you also have the feeling that you have something special within your team, and I think we’re on that wave right now. We feel it all.
Jeppe Tverskov, Captain

Regardless of the outcome, San Diego FC has shown that betting on a bold project can pay off. The team seeks to consolidate its success and become a model for MLS.