SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- “It’s amazing, I think everyone is filled with emotions, filled with excitement,” said Mikey Varas, the head coach of San Diego FC. “And just look around. It’s a place that’s set for success.”
It was a warm welcome as San Diego FC reported to training camp Sunday, Jan. 12 surrounded by season ticketholders and support groups, taking the practice pitch for the very first time on Monday.
”It gets real, then really real, and then really, really real,” added SDFC CEO Tom Penn. “Each step has been special but when you get players here, that what it’s really all about.”
The 26 players with 21 under contract embarked on the first training session with lofty expectations.
“We need to compete in year one,” said Tyler Heaps, San Diego FC Sporting Director. “[It's] no secret we have expectations to make the playoffs and this league. When you make the playoffs, anything can happen.”
SDFC will need to find cohesions quickly with two closed door exhibitions in the next 19 days, followed by the Coachella Valley Invitational on Feb. 8th, fans' first chance to see the team in action.
The team then opens their season on the road against the reigning MLS Champion LA Galaxy on Sunday, Feb. 23 at 4 p.m.
Watch the report by Julian Del Gaudio in the player above.