San Diego‘s upcoming expansion entry in the NASL has unveiled its branding, as the club will be known as 1904 FC.
It was learned earlier this year that plans were in the works for San Diego to serve as an expansion market in the NASL for 2018, with the effort backed by an ownership that includes European star Demba Ba. In the time since, the NASL’s standing for 2018 and beyond has come into question, as it was revealed in September that the U.S. Soccer Federation declined to extend the league’s Division II status into 2018. There has been legal fallout from that decision, with the NASL suing USSF, alleging that is has violated federal antitrust law.
According to a press release, the name 1904 FC is inspired by “the people of its representative city. A fellow supporter and most importantly, a San Diegan, suggested 1904, deriving from S, the 19th letter of the alphabet, paired with D, the 4th letter, making 1904 an iconic name for San Diego soccer. From the start, this team has been deeply rooted in its interest and appeal to the street culture here, making Nineteen O’Four and the many variations of this name absolutely fitting. Finally, we have chosen to use Football Club because of what we’re steadily moving towards, to bring San Diego Football and its valued players to the world.”
“We believe in the people of San Diego. Our name reflects our commitment to the city and street culture,” Demba Ba said in a statement. “The number is already iconic in San Diego, now it will stand for the passion and pride of our region.”
The club’s ownership group includes professional footballers Eden Hazard, Yohan Cabaye, and Moussa Sow, along with sports executives Alex Gontran, Vagno Chandara, and Bob Watkins. Additional details about 1904 FC are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
“San Diego is ready for professional soccer and we are excited to build this club together with the community,” Ricardo Campos, the club’s chief operating officer, said in a statement. “Our supporters expect a quality product on the field and we are working hard to launch a team San Diegans are proud of. Building a successful club takes time, but the most exciting part is for young athletes and fans to be a part of history from the beginning.”
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