This Thursday, May 16, San Diego FC and Club Tijuana announced a five-year partnership of friendly matches at SDFC headquarters.

San Diego FC CEO Tom Penn, San Diego FC co-chairman Cody Martinez, and Club Tijuana president Jorgealberto Hank were at the event to make the official announcement.

The friendly match will be annually at Sanpdragon Stadium with no plan in sight to make it at the Estadio Caliente in Tijuana or in another stadium. However, it seems that both teams are willing to work on this in the coming years, as this was announced repeatedly as a “lifetime partnership” beyond the five-year arrangement.

@sandiegofc and @Xolos announce five years of friendly matches. @EVT_News pic.twitter.com/x3CdR1pLp4

— Francisco Velasco (@FranciscoEfV) May 17, 2024

“A five-year commitment to have each of our clubs compete against each other on the pitch in a friendly match. But then create, at the essence of that, a cross-border collaboration and partnership to celebrate the spirit of football in this region. This is such a special, unique place on the planet. Our two stadiums are literally 25 miles from each other, and the interconnectivity of that is so special”, said San Diego FC CEO Tom Penn.

Xolos president Jorgealberto Hank also talked about the partnership. “We’re excited for you guys to start playing next year and for all these friendly matches we have for the next five years and hopefully for many more. Hopefully, you guys will come and play with us in Tijuana. I think it’s very important for the whole area, the whole region, to just be pro-futbol or pro-soccer. We want our fans and everybody in the area to be engaged with as much soccer as they can.”

Throughout the press conference there was plenty of talk of Right to Dream and the competition to sign young talent between San Diego FC and Club Tijuana. The same message of cooperation and opportunity was communicated by Tom Penn and Jorgealberto Hank. “There being two institutions at the highest level on both sides of the border creates more opportunities for the young players. There will be more opportunities for the youngsters”, said Jorgealberto Hank.

Tom Penn also talked about the recent rumors surrounding San Diego FC concerning a big splash signing. “Penn revealed that they are in talks with their “signature player or players” and that an official announcement should come “soon”.

San Diego FC CEO Tom Penn said they are talking to their “signature player or players” said the announcement will come “soon”.@EVT_News pic.twitter.com/q4nngHwIkC

— Francisco Velasco (@FranciscoEfV) May 17, 2024

This is a collaboration unlike anything seen before in the region or in North American soccer. There is a plethora of opportunity for growth for everyone involved if the two organizations keep on working together. San Diego FC begin play in 2025 and more big announcements are expected in the coming weeks and months ahead of the 2025 MLS season.

Francisco Velasco

Francisco, 26, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego Loyal, San Diego Wave.