With the Whitecaps currently in England for training for the start of the upcoming 2017 MLS season, it’s only fitting that we are hearing of a possible expansion for another franchise.

This one comes from San Diego and it’s reported by MLS Commissioner Don Garber that he has accepted a San Diego Investor group application for a team.

With the NFL’s Chargers relocating to the Los Angeles area and leaving the 166-acre Qualcomm Stadium site vacant, a group called FS Investors has proposed remaking the area into a sports-entertainment district that would include a 30,000-seat stadium for an MLS team and San Diego State’s football program.

If the group’s proposal is approved by the city, the next step would be to win over the MLS.

Garber anticipates that 12 cities will apply for the four new teams that will be announced at the end of the year.

He expects the expansion franchises to begin play in 2020.

He said San Diego’s proximity to Mexico is a plus. A large contingent of fans regularly travels south to watch Xolos, a popular Mexican League soccer team.

Garber told the media “It seems like we have something very special here in San Diego and with this being a young city that is representing this new America that is driving the growth of our sport.”

Mayor Kevin Faulconer tells the media “I’m very excited about all the concepts that are in here but the details will be important and that’s the vetting that everyone will go through.”

He continued “But I think the opportunity to bring Major League Soccer to San Diego and have a permanent home for the Aztecs … I think there is a lot of excitement and this is a great opportunity for the city.”