Landon Stewart opened a Q&A for of San Diego FC’s roster with a burning question.
“Are you guys going to win the Western Conference?” the 11-year-old from University City asked.
San Diego FC midfielder Anibal Godoy responded affirmatively in Spanish.
“Step-by-step, we’re going to get it done,” he said through a translator — meaning not only Western Conference contention but also bringing an MLS Cup to “America’s Finest City.”
San Diego is no different from any other sports city in that it loves a winner. Viejas Arena is packed for every San Diego State men’s basketball game. Brown and gold gear is seen year-round following the Padres’ three playoff appearances in five years.
Now comes San Diego FC, hoping to paint the town navy blue — the team calls it azul — and chrome.
General manager and sporting director Tyler Heaps said San Diego FC’s inaugural team will establish an identity that will endure beyond Year 1.
“The attitude is the base for every team,” said SDFC defender Franco Negri through a translator, describing the quality he believes will characterize the organization. “It has to be contagious on the pitch. Overall, we’ve shown gradually that we’re a family and we’re going to continue to grow together.”
That’s exactly what San Diego FC and its fans are striving for — an energetic team that will play an unselfish brand of soccer.
That does not mean eschewing star power. For San Diego FC, the man who bears that responsibility in the debut season — kicking off Sunday against the LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson — is Chucky Lozano.
The Mexico City native comes to San Diego after stints in Europe with PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands and Serie A club Napoli in Italy.
His prominence in Europe and stardom with CF Pachuca of Liga MX make Lozano the face of San Diego FC in its debut season. The club is hoping to attract fans that will become lifelong ers.
One such youngster is Will Yutko of Encinitas, who said Lozano is his favorite member of the club as the season opens. Yutko and his younger brother, Ryan, are also fans of Lionel Messi, the international star currently signed to MLS club Inter Miami.
They are not alone. Indeed, Messi attire was peppered among SDFC gear at last weekend’s Season Kickoff Party at Snapdragon Stadium.
But Will Yutko welcomes San Diego FC with the kind of energy that the club hopes will be contagious.
“I like that we have a (top-level) men’s team to watch, because I play and I want to see what I can improve on by watching these guys,” Yutko said.
Winning the Western Conference and ultimately the MLS Cup may be San Diego FC’s ultimate goal in Year 1. But if the team can build its connection with the youth of San Diego, it will be considered a victory.
“That’s what it’s all about: Giving back to the community, giving back to the young players,” said SDFC goalkeeper CJ dos Santos. “I was there at one point, idolizing the best players in the world. It makes me feel really good that this great group of guys and this great staff is part of that, to inspire the next generation of footballers.”
