SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – The current season for the San Diego Loyal will be the franchise’s fourth and final season in the United Soccer League.
In a video message posted on the Loyal’s website and social media channels Thursday morning, franchise Chairman Andrew Vassiliadis said, “This will be the last season for the San Diego Loyal.”
"For those of you who've gotten to know me, spent some time talking to me, you know how much this hurts for me to say. I love our city, I'm born and raised here and I'll always be loyal to San Diego,” Vassiliadis said.
He added, "So, I have an ask. As we head into this last two months of the season, I ask that you continue to fight with the club, I ask that you come celebrate and not mourn what we have done over the last four years. I ask that you come join us at Torero [Stadium] for our final four home games and represent your community -- come together as friends and family and cheer us on as we push once again to make it to the playoffs, and who knows what happens after that."
USL officials said in a news release that the Loyal’s ownership group could not find a “viable near- and long-term stadium solution in the market,” thus the franchise’s decision to end its run in the league.
League officials added, "In the coming months, the USL will provide more information about the transfer of the franchise rights."
In May, when Major League Soccer announced the expansion of the league to San Diego, Vassiliadis said the team wasn't "going anywhere." However, in the past six months, he and SD Loyal President Ricardo Campos looked for viable options to keep the team, academy and training facilities afloat, before coming to the conclusion the team will close up shop at the end of the season.
The Loyal will join a long list of now defunct San Diego soccer teams, including the Flash, Pumitas, Gauchos, Top Guns, Nomads, an indoor and outdoor iteration of the Sockers and Jaws and the Toros.
Vassiliadis’ full message:
A message from San Diego Loyal SC Chairman, Andrew Vassiliadis. pic.twitter.com/9Xkf1mEijX
— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) August 24, 2023
USMNT legend Landon Donovan was previously head coach of the Loyal, and was named executive vice president of soccer operations in December 2022. That same month, SD Loyal entered a goodwill partnership with Lincoln City F.C. of Lincolnshire, England.
Ten games remain in the Loyal's season, including four at their home field at Torero Stadium and the final home game on Oct. 7 against the Oakland Roots -- the team which knocked the Loyal out of the playoffs in 2022.
As of Thursday, the Loyal are in fifth in the USL Championship's Western Conference and are in playoff contention. The announcement follows the club's most successful season, with a run to the Western Conference quarterfinals.
The Loyal have been a part of the USL since 2020.
City News Service contributed to this report
