SAN DIEGO — In an exciting announcement, San Diego FC is set to kick off its inaugural season in Major League Soccer against the LA Galaxy during the league’s opening weekend on February 22-23. The league disclosed this news on Monday.

While the specific schedule including the exact date will be made available in December, the club was thrilled to learn that they will hold their first home match on March 1 against St. Louis City SC at Snapdragon Stadium, located in Mission Valley.

The team has made significant hires recently, bringing on board coach Mikey Varas, who formerly served as the interim coach for the United States national team. Additionally, the club previously signed revered Mexican player Hirving “Chucky” Lozano in June, marking a stellar acquisition for the new franchise.

As they prepare for further developments, Varas, along with sporting director Tyler Heaps, is gearing up for the expansion draft on December 11, where they have the opportunity to select up to five current players from the MLS. Notably, San Diego FC owns the first overall pick for the upcoming MLS SuperDraft scheduled for December 20.

The team’s roster is taking shape with key players such as forward Marcus Ingvartsen, midfielder Jeppe Tverskov, defender Paddy McNair, goalkeeper Duran Ferree, and winger Alex Mighten joining Lozano on the field.

San Diego FC is owned by Mohamed Mansour, an Egyptian billionaire, in partnership with the Sycuan Tribe, making it the first Native American tribe to invest in a professional soccer team. The ownership circle also includes the well-known San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado, further enhancing the team’s local connections and community presence.