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San Diego Applies For MLS, Gets Key Investment From Univision Deportes President

San Diego yesterday officially applied for MLS expansion, putting itself in a "frontrunner’s position with a full showing of support at a press conference and pep rally" aboard the USS Midway, according to Tod Leonard of the SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE. Several hundred fans "serenaded some of the city’s top administrators and sports organizers with soccer songs and chants" before San Diego’s MLS investment group ceremonially handed MLS Commissioner Don Garber a franchise application. Though in the very early stages, there was a "palpable sense of momentum for the franchise movement, based largely on the proposed plans of local investors" to build a $200M stadium to replace Qualcomm Stadium and share it with San Diego State football. The San Diego investors "hope to have an answer from the city by the summer, and MLS is expected to select" its '20 expansion franchises in the fall. The investor group "expects to be able to provide specific language on its initiative in about 10 days." As with any effort of this size, it "could face legal opposition." One more hint that San Diego "might be on MLS’s fast track: The investors announced a new partner" yesterday -- Univision Deportes President Juan Carlos Rodriguez. Rodriguez said that he is investing his own money, and despite no direct ties to San Diego, he said, "I believe in the group of owners. I believe in the future of the sport. I believe in the city." Rodriguez said that he has "made it known to the other owners that he would like a 'Mexican accent' to the San Diego franchise." He envisions Mexican fans around the country "turning out for MLS games in away cities to cheer San Diego’s team" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 1/31).

SOUTH OF THE BORDER TIES: Garber said that San Diego's proximity to Mexico "is a plus." A large contingent of fans "regularly travels south" to watch Club America-Liga MX club Tijuana Xolos. Garber: "One of the things that is very positive here is that thousands of people are going south of the border to attend games in Tijuana. We think we could have an unbelievable rivalry with that team. That connection to Tijuana is something that we are excited about" (AP, 1/30). In San Diego, Kevin Acee notes the city's bid to get an MLS team will be "one of as many as a dozen such submissions expected" by today's deadline. Acee: "So this isn't a slam dunk." However, Garber is "not attending an announcement of any other group vying for a team" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 1/31).

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