San Diego FC returns to Snapdragon with plan to address discriminatory chants
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SDFC's Anders Dreyer is the team's leading scorer. Photo: San Diego FC
San Diego FC is back at Snapdragon Stadium for its second home game on Saturday against the Columbus Crew — an MLS powerhouse in transition.
Why it matters: SDFC remains unbeaten in its first MLS season with two statement road wins, but the team is seeking its first win in front of the home crowd.
State of play: SDFC can exploit the Crew's cracks with its explosive and dynamic offense led by right winger Anders Dreyer who's scored three goals through three games.
- Forward Chucky Lozano is out with a hamstring injury, but forward Marcus Ingvartsen and defender Franco Negri will also be key parts of the attack.
- The team sits in 2nd place in the West and tied for 3rd overall, with a 2-0-1 record and seven points.
Between the lines: SDFC is bolstering security in the stands to address the homophobic, discriminatory chants that scarred the club's debut home opener earlier this month.
- Offenders will be ejected, and the club will enforce FIFA's three-step protocol, which includes stopping, suspending or canceling the match.
- The plan also includes direct messaging to fans via email, in-stadium signage and an on-field statement ahead of the match.
- It's a similar strategy employed by Los Angeles FC, which successfully stopped the chant during its inaugural season in 2018 under president Tom Penn who's now SDFC's CEO.
Catch up quick: During the previous home match, some fans yelled an anti-gay slur, "Ehhhh, p—," to taunt the opposing team's goalkeeper during a goal kick — like when fans heckle basketball players shooting free throws.
- The Spanish word yelled by fans translates to gay prostitute in English, but some fans have argued it's a generic insult and not meant to be offensive.
- Despite numerous efforts over the last two decades to end the homophobic chant — through sanctions, public awareness campaigns and policies — it has persisted among Mexican fans.
If you go: Tickets are $50+, and the supporter section with La Frontera is standing only with no assigned seats.
- The game kicks off at 7:30pm, but the fan fest and tailgating starts in the afternoon.
- Here are some stadium tips.
Where else to watch: Local bars are hosting watch parties, and the game is streaming on Apple TV.
- Check out Maverick's in Pacific Beach, Bluefoot and Fairplay in North Park and San Diego Brewing or McGregor's in Mission Valley and Draft Republic in Carlsbad.