From the streets to stadiums
Soccer a la Frontera is a five-part video series that tells the story of soccer’s cultural growth over the last five plus decades in the San Diego-Tijuana region.
Watch the series
Explore the origin story of soccer in the San Diego-Tijuana border region.
The beginning of professional soccer in San Diego began with a bang and bust. But then it moved indoors.
Professional women's soccer in San Diego didn't begin with Wave FC. In fact it began over two decades earlier with a humble squad.
From Mexico’s deep rooted fútbol culture to the professional Liga MX team Club Tijuana, the country's influence is inseparable from San Diego’s passion for soccer.
The Chargers leaving San Diego left the city hungry for sports. Professional soccer came in and seized an opportunity.
Test your knowledge
How well do you know San Diego's soccer history?
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Athletes play futsal at a court in Chicano Park in San Diego's Barrio Logan neighborhood on Jan. 15, 2025.
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Former San Diego Sockers star forward Juli Veee signs a print of his artwork on Jan. 27, 2025. Veee played for the Sockers in the late 1970s through the 80s.
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Former pro soccer player Shannon Mac Millan sits down for an interview at Wave FC headquarters on Jan. 28, 2025. Mac Millan is the Wave's vice president of community relations.
Roland Lizarondo
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The San Diego Wave FC supporters section during an NWSL match at Snapdragon Stadium.
Bennett Lacy
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Soccer fans watch an NWSL match featuring San Diego Wave FC at Snapdragon Stadium.
Bennett Lacy
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Xolos fans celebrate their team's first league championship in Tijuana.
Brooke Binkowski
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Fans attend a brand reveal event for San Diego FC at Snapdragon Stadium in Mission Valley
Bennett Lacy
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San Diego FC founding partner Manny Machado speaks during a brand reveal event at Snapdragon Stadium in Mission Valley
Bennett Lacy
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San Diego FC players practice at the team's training facility in El Cajon on Jan. 13, 2025.
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Club Tijuana midfielder and San Diego-native Joe Corona sits down for an interview in Tijuana on Jan. 27, 2025.
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San Diego Wave FC forward Melanie Barcenas poses for a portrait in San Diego on Feb. 7, 2025
Bonus content
Soccer is played everywhere in San Diego and Tijuana. But accessing the sport can be a financial challenge. In one San Diego park, a soccer program is supporting refugee and immigrant youth, on and off the pitch.
After kicking off their inaugural season with immediate success, San Diego FC is ready to begin the next chapter of soccer in our cross-border region. The club has opened a free youth academy for elite soccer players around the region.
Meet the team
General Assignment Reporter
Investigative/Enterprise Editor
Video Journalist
Web Producer
Reporter
Video Journalist
