Overview

• San Diego Loyal, co-founded by soccer legend Landon Donovan, announced closure following a playoff loss, primarily due to the impending arrival of the MLS team San Diego FC in 2025.
• The Loyal club, known for taking powerful stances on social justice issues, gained recognition when it walked off the field sacrificing a playoff spot due to an alleged homophobic slur against one of their players.
• Despite the club's ceasing operations, Donovan expressed pride in the team's unique identity that drew and connected people, stating that such a phenomenon may never exist again in the game.
• The closure of the club was also attributed to failed attempts to secure locations for a stadium, training facility, and academy; financial losses ahead of MLS's arrival were a significant factor.
• Andrew Vassiliadis, the club owner, expressed hope for the future of soccer in San Diego and encouraged Loyal fans to support the upcoming MLS team.