San Diego FC makes MLS home debut with a record crowd and controversy
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San Diego FC didn't get the win but put on a show in its inaugural MLS home opener that ended in a scoreless draw against St. Louis CITY SC Saturday night.
Why it matters: The game marked a historic moment for San Diego and Snapdragon Stadium, which was packed with a record-setting crowd of 34,506 fans that celebrated the team's arrival — and drew criticism.
Driving the news: SDFC Head Coach Mikey Varas opened his postgame press conference condemning homophobic, discriminatory chants made by fans at the opposing goalkeeper, calling it "unacceptable."
- "It has no place here," Varas said, clarifying the chant did not come from the club's main supporter group, La Frontera, which also posted a statement.
- "It doesn't represent the players, myself or the club, and certainly doesn't represent San Diego or Baja California," Varas said. "It's not a reflection of who we are. We're a community full of love, support, and we believe in the power of diversity."
- Several warnings were made during the game telling fans to stop the offensive chant that's been a longtime problem with Mexican fans. The message: "Discrimination has no place in our sport and in our stadiums and will not be tolerated."
State of play: On the field, SDFC dominated possession and the passing game, while creating exciting offensive chances with its high-pressure style, but couldn't find the back of the net.
- Star forward Chucky Lozano left the game 30 minutes in with a lower body injury that's being assessed.
- Still unbeaten, SDFC is the first expansion club to start out with two clean sheets since 2009.
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The vibe: SDFC's pregame party brought families and tailgaters to Snapdragon early with giveaways, games, food trucks and a live DJ.
- The stadium roared as SDFC players stepped on the field for warm ups and during the pre-game show with fireworks. The energy was high until after the final whistle.
- The rowdy supporter section sang the national anthem, and a series of chants accompanied by drums, cymbals and waving flags throughout the entire game. They raised a giant tifo banner that read "We are San Diego football club."
- Fans also gave resounding boos for the other team's roster, any fouls or calls against SDFC and when Mayor Todd Gloria was announced on the big screen.
The bottom line: "The stadium was electric, the boys were electric," Varas said. "Considering we've been together for six weeks and we're disappointed with a tie, I think, shows a lot."
- "San Diego is a diverse place, it's a creative place, it's a competitive place and I think the boys showed that on the field," he said.
What's next: SDFC travels to play Real Salt Lake at America First Field on Saturday, March 8.