San Diego NWSL is officially San Diego Wave Fútbol Club, the expansion club announced on Tuesday morning.
The name was inspired by San Diego’s “pristine and powerful coastline and diverse cultural heritage,” the team said in a release, adding that waves represent the “heartbeat of the city.” The club, which begins play in 2022, will reveal its crest at a later date.
San Diego will also be the first NWSL franchise to use the Spanish translation, fútbol, in its name.
It's official...We are WAVE FC! 🌊️⚽️📧 Sign up for club updates & 👕 shop limited-edition merch: https://t.co/YFs3MqtT2I@NWSL #NWSL #WAVEFC pic.twitter.com/zSKZ6IBNt5— San Diego (@SanDiegoNWSL) November 9, 2021
It's official...We are WAVE FC! 🌊️⚽️📧 Sign up for club updates & 👕 shop limited-edition merch: https://t.co/YFs3MqtT2I@NWSL #NWSL #WAVEFC pic.twitter.com/zSKZ6IBNt5
“This is an exciting moment for our franchise,” club president Jill Ellis said in a news release. “I have been out in the community, and you can feel the energy and anticipation building for our team’s arrival. We listened to soccer fans and community leaders, and we are proud to select a name that connects with the people and essence of San Diego. A wave is a strong symbol and, like our club, it is an integral part of something bigger. Our players will be incredibly inspired to put on their jerseys and play for the fans of San Diego Wave FC.”
The team will open its inaugural NWSL season next spring in Torero Stadium on the University of San Diego’s campus, with a permanent venue expected at a later date. They’ll play under former Manchester United manager Casey Stoney, who was appointed head coach in July.
With Angel City FC set to launch in Los Angeles in 2022, the San Diego Wave represent the second NWSL team in Southern California.