MORAGA, CA, – The Town FC has officially agreed with the San Jose Earthquakes to manage the commercial operations of its MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, effective immediately for the 2024 season. Under the arrangement, the team will compete under the new name “The Town FC” and will play its home games at Saint Mary’s College of California located in Moraga, California.
This hybrid arrangement is the first of its kind in MLS NEXT Pro and signals a significant step forward for the East Bay soccer community. The Town FC is humbled to further deliver on its commitment to providing accessible, high-quality soccer experiences for the region’s thriving sports community. Fans, players, and local families throughout the region can look forward to enjoying a deeper connection to the beautiful game and increased opportunities to engage in the vibrant soccer culture of the East Bay.
“We’re excited to enter this partnership with The Town FC,” said Earthquakes President Jared Shawlee. “We see this arrangement as beneficial to our overall player development strategy and a great way to grow the sport in Moraga and Northern California. I’m looking forward to seeing head coach Dan DeGeer and his staff build on last year’s playoff success, while playing at a great home venue.”
MLS NEXT Pro is a professional men’s soccer league in the United States and Canada that completes the pro player pathway. MLS NEXT Pro continues to grow the game through innovation and diversity, creating opportunities both on and off the field.
Charles Altchek, President of MLS NEXT Pro stated “As MLS NEXT Pro continues to evolve and helps shape the future of soccer in North America, we look forward to supporting this new partnership and bringing professional soccer to new communities.”
In a joint statement, The Town FC CEO Benno Nagel and board member Min Park said “We’re thrilled to announce this innovative partnership with the San Jose Earthquakes and look forward to bringing the beautiful game to even more fans and players in the East Bay. This partnership will allow us to grow and nurture local talent while providing our devoted fans with even more opportunities to come together in support of our community’s shared passion for soccer.”
“The people of Moraga are thrilled to have The Town FC becoming part of our community,” said Mayor Teresa Onoda. “We all are hoping that the team will add a new dimension to Moraga’s legacy of world-class athletics.” Saint Mary’s Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Mike Matoso added “We are excited to announce our partnership with the Town FC and host pro-level soccer in Moraga for the upcoming season.”
The Town FC has rapidly grown over the last two years with a strong commitment to creating opportunities for young soccer players and cultivating a passionate soccer culture within East Bay communities. By partnering with the San Jose Earthquakes, The Town FC aims to change the landscape of soccer within the region, bringing the excitement of professional soccer closer to the hearts of the community.
The Town FC’s MLS NEXT Pro regular-season schedule begins on Sunday, March 17, when they face LA Galaxy II at 5 p.m. in a road contest. The home opener is scheduled for Saturday, April 20, at PayPal Park vs. Austin FC II at 3 p.m., and the team’s first match at Saint Mary’s Stadium is slated for Friday, May 3, vs. Houston Dynamo II at 5 p.m. Season passes are now available for all 14 home games by clicking here. Single-game and multi-game packs will be available to purchase toward the end of March. Fans can stay informed by following The Town FC on social media @TheTown_FC and signing up for email updates on www.thetownfc.com.