TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League (USL) announced today it has awarded a USL Championship franchise in San Diego to Sacramento Republic FC Co-Founder and former President, Warren Smith. The team has entered into an agreement with the University of San Diego (USD) to play at the University’s Torero Stadium and has named legendary former U.S. Men’s National Team player Landon Donovan as its Executive Vice President for Soccer Operations.

“We are delighted to bring USL Championship soccer to San Diego,” said USL Chief Executive Officer Alec Papadakis. “It is a proud community with a rich soccer history, and we have no doubt that Warren Smith – a man of great experience and character – will lead this club successfully in to the future.”

Smith led Republic FC from its launch in December to 2012, to its entry to the League in the 2014 season and captured worldwide attention for breaking USL Championship regular-season attendance and club revenues records as it claimed the USL Cup in its inaugural season. Republic FC continues to be a leader in the USL Championship, recording sellout crowds during the 2019 season while having reached the USL Cup Playoffs in each of its five seasons in the league.

“I am thrilled to play a significant role in the massive growth of the USL Championship and to bring this fantastic League to the people of San Diego,” said Smith. “San Diego has long been a place that celebrated the beautiful game and demonstrated its passion for soccer both in those that play and watch. What it hasn’t had, and now will, is a club to call its own. I look forward to becoming the steward of building this club with the community and to seeing what we can accomplish together.”

Smith is joined by U.S. Men’s National Team legend Landon Donovan in the club’s front office following his appointment as Executive Vice President for Soccer Operations. In his new role, Donovan will oversee operations and will influence the club’s style of play, manage player identification and acquisition and oversee on-field performance. A four-time U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year, Donovan made 157 appearances for the U.S. Men’s National Team, scoring 57 goals for his country, while enjoying a successful club career in Major League Soccer, the Bundesliga, the Premier League and Liga MX.

“To have a world-class professional like Landon, who has also embraced San Diego as his home, represent the community and help us build this product, is incredibly exciting,” said Smith. “His experience as a player and his passion for the game is a perfect fit for the community of San Diego.”

“I chose San Diego as my home and have personally been focused on bringing professional soccer to the community,” said Donovan. “Thanks to Warren, USL and our incredible team, that dream has become reality. I am ecstatic to be a part of this talented group and the newest addition to the USL Championship. I’m looking forward to our Opening Night in Torero Stadium and the stands being filled with smiles, chants and cheers from my fellow residents of America’s Finest City.”