For San Diego FC, a historic inaugural MLS season is equal parts philosophy and community

The Western Conference's No 1 seed can become the second expansion team to win MLS Cup

As San Diego FC prepare for their first playoff appearance this Sunday, they do so with the deserved title of record breakers. The expansion club has earned the Western Conference's No 1 seed and set records for most victories (19) and points (63) in a single season by an MLS expansion team. As a result, they will be at home for the remainder of the playoffs, and would host MLS Cup if they make it there and meet anyone other than Inter Miami, Cincinnati, or the Supporters' Shield-winning Philadelphia Union.

Now, they're aiming for more history - to become the first expansion side to win MLS Cup since 1998 when the Chicago Fire achieved it against DC United.