Open exclusively to members of Execs Connect, this bi-monthly networking event connects San Diego’s top business executives, elected officials, and military leaders. Execs Connect focuses on building lasting relationships through quality networking and access to thought-provoking speakers.
Join us for our virtual Execs Connect with San Diego Loyal’s Co-Founder & President Warren Smith and Landon Donovan, Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations.
Featured Speakers
Warren Smith
Co-founder and President
San Diego Loyal Soccer Club
Warren Smith is the co-founder and President of San Diego Loyal. Warren led the planning, start up, and operations for SRFC, the most successful USL Championship club in USL history. SRFC set multiple league records in attendance and club revenues, and SRFC entered the playoffs every year under his leadership, winning the 2014 USL Pro Championship. In May 2017, Warren led the transition and sale of SRFC’s assets to an investor group that actively is undertaking to elevate the club to MLS.
Landon Donovan
Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations
San Diego Loyal Soccer Club
Regarded as one of the greatest U.S. soccer players in history, Landon Donovan brings his extensive knowledge of the game to San Diego Loyal’s technical staff.
During his 19-year professional career, Donovan’s accomplishments span both his time domestically and internationally. In total, he played for five professional teams covering three leagues: Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Bayern Munich (Bundesliga); Everton (Premier League); San Jose Earthquakes and LA Galaxy (Major League Soccer). He played in six MLS Cups, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and two MLS Supporters’ Shields. Individually, he was named to an MLS record 14-consecutive MLS All-Star games from 2001-2014, was honored with the Landon Donovan MVP Award in 2009 and won the Golden Boot in 2008, as well as being one of just two players to be named MLS Cup MVP twice. He continues to lead in MLS record books with assists (136), playoff goals (25) and co-leads MLS in playoff assists (14). He is second to Chris Wondolowski with most regular-season goals at 145.
In addition to his professional career, Donovan’s contributions to the U.S. Men’s National Team 
continues to dominate the record books. He leads the U.S. men in goals (57), assists (58), second in appearances (157) and is the only American player to surpass both 50 goals and 50 assists in his career. He was the fastest American to earn 100 caps and played for the U.S. in three FIFA World Cups. His individual awards include the only American to win the Golden Ball Award, FIFA’s Best Young Player of the World Cup in 2002, the CONCACAF Gold Cup MVP in 2013, the Gold Cup Best XI four times and U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year a record four times.
ABOUT SAN DIEGO LOYAL SOCCER CLUB
Launched on June 19, 2019, San Diego Loyal is heading into their second season in the USL Championship, a USSF-sanctioned Division II league and one of the most competitive pro 
soccer leagues in the world. The Club finished the inaugural season in 2020 with a 6-5-5 record. The Club plays at Torero Stadium at the University of San Diego. San Diego Loyal is built on four core values – Commitment, Camaraderie, Connection, Competition. San Diego Loyal plays for America’s Finest City and is led by some of the best in sport. The Club is led by Chairman Andrew Vassiliadis, who is the youngest principal owner in USL Championship. It was founded and led on the business-side by experienced soccer executive Warren Smith, a co-founder and former president of Sacramento Republic FC. Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations Landon Donovan, one of the most decorated soccer players in the U.S., leads the technical side as both EVP and First Team Manager.
Event Details
Date: February 23, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.
Location:
On your screen! Be sure to register below for full details!
Event Cost:
This event is exclusive to Execs Connect members. For more information on joining Execs Connect, please contact Sherman Stocker, Corporate Relations Manager at 619-544-1354 or sstocker@sdchamber.org.