Among the sold-out crowd of 8,466 at Toyota Field on Saturday, USL President Jake Edwards was there to see San Antonio FC’s inaugural home match.
Edwards took a few minutes to talk about his hopes for one of the USL’s newest franchises.
What are your first impressions of San Antonio FC?
JE: I’m loving what I’m seeing. It’s not just that fans are coming out, but you can see the passion, the excitement and the enthusiasm here. This is something we always knew would happen in San Antonio with this ownership group and it’s great to see the fans raring to go.
When you were here in January, the team was just announced. What did you think of the way the team was built?
JE: It’s a testament to the work that Spurs Sports & Entertainment has done here in a short space of time. This organization does everything at the top level. They’ve got big ambitions here and big goals. To achieve those, you’ve got to do everything at a top level on the field and off the field.
Were you expecting a reception like this?
JE: This is something we always knew would happen in San Antonio with this ownership group, and it’s great to see the fans raring to go.
To see this crowd, It’s a testament to the passion that the supporters and people of San Antonio have for the sport, and a testament to supporting local sports that they’re here in such great numbers.
What do you see for San Antonio for growth as a soccer city?
JE: It’s critical that the city engage with the team. That’s how they succeed and how we succeed. To see the mayor, judge and so many officials at this game, the fact that they were so committed to soccer and working with the Spurs organization to bring soccer here was critical. I certainly applaud their efforts and I know they have big plans for the future.
What is San Antonio’s MLS blueprint? How does it follow the path of Seattle and Orlando from USL to MLS?
JE: If San Antonio can continue to build the brand, build the fanbase and continue to have these kinds of crowds, they’re in great shape for the future.
It’s about having an owner with the vision . They have to be engaged in the community, and the community has to play their part. The fan base has to come and sell out the stadium. They have to create that authentic soccer atmosphere and make people look at San Antonio. The city as a whole has to get behind it.
Sometimes it takes five years, sometimes it’s 10 to 15 years. It’s happening quicker and quicker these days. But you have to have all the right pieces in place in San Antonio.
San Antonio FC Managing Director Tim Holt was USL President from 2009-15. What can you tell us about your predecessor?
JE: He doesn’t drink enough beer. He’s a health-conscious nut, so he runs too much and is way too fit. Tim is the consummate professional. It was my pleasure to work under him for a couple of years, and I learned a lot from him. He is a passionate, committed sports executive and is absolutely the right man for this job to take this team forward.
Among the sold-out crowd of 8,466 at Toyota Field on Saturday, USL President Jake Edwards was there to see San Antonio FC’s inaugural home match.
Edwards took a few minutes to talk about his hopes for one of the USL’s newest franchises.
What are your first impressions of San Antonio FC?
JE: I’m loving what I’m seeing. It’s not just that fans are coming out, but you can see the passion, the excitement and the enthusiasm here. This is something we always knew would happen in San Antonio with this ownership group and it’s great to see the fans raring to go.
When you were here in January, the team was just announced. What did you think of the way the team was built?
JE: It’s a testament to the work that Spurs Sports & Entertainment has done here in a short space of time. This organization does everything at the top level. They’ve got big ambitions here and big goals. To achieve those, you’ve got to do everything at a top level on the field and off the field.
Were you expecting a reception like this?
JE: This is something we always knew would happen in San Antonio with this ownership group, and it’s great to see the fans raring to go.
To see this crowd, It’s a testament to the passion that the supporters and people of San Antonio have for the sport, and a testament to supporting local sports that they’re here in such great numbers.
What do you see for San Antonio for growth as a soccer city?
JE: It’s critical that the city engage with the team. That’s how they succeed and how we succeed. To see the mayor, judge and so many officials at this game, the fact that they were so committed to soccer and working with the Spurs organization to bring soccer here was critical. I certainly applaud their efforts and I know they have big plans for the future.
What is San Antonio’s MLS blueprint? How does it follow the path of Seattle and Orlando from USL to MLS?
JE: If San Antonio can continue to build the brand, build the fanbase and continue to have these kinds of crowds, they’re in great shape for the future.
It’s about having an owner with the vision . They have to be engaged in the community, and the community has to play their part. The fan base has to come and sell out the stadium. They have to create that authentic soccer atmosphere and make people look at San Antonio. The city as a whole has to get behind it.
Sometimes it takes five years, sometimes it’s 10 to 15 years. It’s happening quicker and quicker these days. But you have to have all the right pieces in place in San Antonio.
San Antonio FC Managing Director Tim Holt was USL President from 2009-15. What can you tell us about your predecessor?
JE: He doesn’t drink enough beer. He’s a health-conscious nut, so he runs too much and is way too fit. Tim is the consummate professional. It was my pleasure to work under him for a couple of years, and I learned a lot from him. He is a passionate, committed sports executive and is absolutely the right man for this job to take this team forward.
