Tag: San Diego FC

‘What an insane week for us!’ – Horan shouts out fiancee Heaps for San Diego FC job

The USWNT captain saluted her fiancee, who is now the youngest sporting director in MLS

Lindsey Horan and Tyler Heaps have had quite the week.

On Saturday, Horan captained the U.S. women’s national team as it won an Olympic gold medal by defeating Brazil 1-0 in Paris.

Just a few days later, Horan’s fiancée Tyler Heaps was named the first-ever sporting director and general manager for MLS expansion side San Diego FC.

At 33, Heaps is now the youngest sporting director in MLS.

Heaps has worked in various roles in the sport, serving as U.S. Soccer’s director of sporting analytics (a job where he met Horan), the hRight to Dream Academy — whose network includes San Diego FC.

“Tyler has demonstrated during his time with Right to Dream that he is one of the brightest people working in world soccer today,” San Diego FC owner Sir Mohamed Mansour said in a club release.

“He understands intimately the values of Right to Dream, which we will implement in San Diego, based around investing in youth while building a winning team that plays an attractive brand of football.”

San Diego FC will begin play in MLS in 2025.

In a post on her Instagram account, Horan congratulated Heaps while noting the whirlwind of events the couple has experienced in just the past six days.

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“The newest Sporting Director of San Diego FC. I am so so proud of you Ty and am incredibly lucky to have been able to witness all the work that’s gotten you to this point. To be one of the youngest sporting directors in the league says enough… You deserve every bit of recognition you’re about to get. I hope you can take it all in. What an insane week for us,” Horan said.

Horan and Heaps announced their engagement in June 2023.

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‘Send me a Chucky jersey!’ – Horan congratulates fiancee Heaps on San Diego FC job

The USWNT star’s partner recently stepped into a big role with the MLS expansion side

U.S. women’s national team captain Lindsey Horan has congratulated her fiancee Tyler Heaps, who has been appointed San Diego FC’s chief soccer officer and assistant sporting director.

Heaps has worked in various roles in the sport, serving as U.S. Soccer’s director of sporting analytics, the hRight to Dream Academy — whose network includes San Diego FC.

The Southern California side will begin play in MLS next season, and announced its first major signing last week: Mexico star Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, who will be San Diego FC’s first Designated Player.

Heaps was alongside Lozano at his introductory press conference on Thursday, which Horan captured in her Instagram story.

“Been really cool to see how you’ve helped form this new club, but even cooler seeing you at your first press conference, speaking on the club and announcing a massive player,” Horan wrote.

“Can’t wait to be San Diego FC’s biggest fan. Proud of you @tjheaps.

“PS – Can somebody please send me a Chucky jersey!!!”

“We want him to be able to express his special qualities,” Heaps said of Lozano at the press conference on Thursday.

“We’re taking all that into consideration, but certainly with the type of player he is and the work rate that he provides the team, it makes my job a lot easier in terms of finding players who want to play with and can play with him.”

Horan and Heaps announced their engagement in June 2023.

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San Diego FC signs Mexico star Lozano as first Designated Player

The MLS expansion side has made a big splash in the transfer market

San Diego FC has made a major splash in the transfer market, signing Mexico star Hirving “Chucky” Lozano as the club’s first Designated Player.

Lozano will remain with his current club PSV for the rest of 2024, and will then link up with SDFC in January ahead of the club’s first MLS season in 2025.

The winger has signed a four-year contract through the end of the 2028 season, with two option years.

“We are excited to make history as we officially welcome ‘Chucky’ Lozano to San Diego FC as the club’s first Designated Player,” said SDFC CEO Tom Penn in a club release.

“’Chucky’ is a world-class talent, and we couldn’t think of a better star to be the face of our club and represent our region. We are thrilled to have him join our club as we look to build a team that will challenge for trophies. ‘Chucky’ is one of the most decorated Mexican internationals in the world, and we look forward to seeing him shine in San Diego and MLS in 2025.”

Lozano, 28, came up through Pachuca’s academy before becoming a star with the first team. He moved to PSV in 2017, helping the club win an Eredivisie title in 2017-18.

The winger then joined Italian power Napoli, where he won the 2019-20 Coppa Italia and Serie A in 2022-23. Lozano returned to PSV ahead of last season, helping the Dutch side to yet another Eredivisie title.

On the international level, Lozano made his senior debut for Mexico in 2016 and has since earned more than 70 caps. His goal against Germany at the 2018 World Cup announced his arrival on the international stage and helped El Tri to an upset win over the defending champions.

“It’s an honor to join San Diego FC as the club’s first Designated Player,” said Lozano. “It’s exciting to be part of history as we build a club that will compete for championships in MLS. In every country I have played, I always strive to leave a mark, and making an impact in San Diego and MLS is very important to me.”

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