In their inaugural season, San Diego FC is making a great impression.

Like it or not, the MLS is here to stay.

The city of San Diego is falling in love with the “world’s game,” as the area is starved for professional sports and national relevance. Numerous disappointments mark the history of San Diego sports. There has been no major world title in the city’s sports history. The San Diego Sockers are easily the most successful franchise in the community, but indoor soccer isn’t considered a major sport.

The Clippers are gone. The Chargers followed them up the 5 freeway in search of greener pastures. Neither franchise had won anything in the city of San Diego, and since their move, they have continued the streak. The Padres have enjoyed over five decades of play in San Diego since joining Major League Baseball in 1969. What do they have to show for it? Two National League titles and a 1-8 record in the World Series.

The city is starved for relevance regarding sports.

Enter the new kid on the block: San Diego FC.

Now, soccer isn’t considered a “major” sport by some individuals. Those same baby boomers, however, have obviously not paid attention over the last three decades, as the growth of the sport has increased at a dramatic rate. I grew up in the 80s. There were barely any leagues to play youth soccer. You had to go out of your way to find a league.

Flash forward to the current era, and there are scrimmages and practices at virtually every park in the United States.

Soccer is definitely a major sport now. If you think differently, you may need to snap out of it.

The sport is gaining popularity among U.S. fans and is expected to continue growing in the future. Especially as the league is capable of bringing in talent like Lionel Messi, his emergence in Miami brings a sense of relevancy to the MLS. Messi is clearly in the latter stages of his career, but his name and recognition resonate throughout the entire world. Can that really be said about a baseball player (well, maybe Shohei Ohtani) or a football player? How about basketball or hockey? You could make a case for some NBA stars, as the world has embraced basketball; however, soccer is clearly the chosen sport of the majority of the world.

And now, San Diego has their very own team in the MLS.

The league may not be in the upper echelons of soccer leagues around the world. But it is gaining momentum toward being a respected and relevant league. Revenue is growing in the sport, and the San Diego FC enters the market at a very fruitful time.

Attendance at SDFC matches has been excellent. The team’s play is enjoyable. The style of play employed by San Diego FC is fan-friendly and entertaining, making it particularly appealing to newcomers to the sport.

So, sit back and enjoy the growth of San Diego’s newest franchise. If you haven’t yet supported the team, give it a try. Soccer may not be what you traditionally watch when it comes to sports, but I promise that the game and the style of play of San Diego FC will enthrall you. Support San Diego. Support the SDFC.

James Clark

James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. James has written about the Padres and their prospects for over a decade. He also writes about San Diego State as well as other local sports. James is the Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.