Is San Diego’s new soccer team’s name an ‘Anchorman’ reference, or not?

Few things are more sacred — or more played out? — to San Diego than the “Anchorman” movie, so the possibility that the name of the city’s new soccer team, 1904 FC, could be a reference to the film quickly caused an uproar.

The North American Soccer League (NASL) announced it would be adding an expansion franchise in San Diego in June and the team is expected to begin playing in 2018, so it was about time for the team’s name to be announced.

After “Footy McFooty Face” was an early favorite in online voting in March for what San Diego’s possible Major League Soccer team should be called, it was clear the NASL team’s name decision would be kind of a big deal for sports fans.

On Wednesday, the name was finally made public: 1904 FC.

The FC stands for “Football Club.”

The 1904? Anyone who has ever seen “Anchorman” more than once would be quick to make a connection to the legendary scene where the main character, Ron Burgundy, makes up a story about when San Diego was discovered and why it was given its name.

“Discovered by the Germans in 1904, they named it San Diego…,” says Burgundy while overlooking the city.

And you know the rest.

The real reason for the decision, so says the club, is that 1904 is a numerical representation of “SD,” with S being the 19^th letter of alphabet and D the fourth.

“We believe in the people of San Diego. Our name reflects our commitment to the city and street culture,” writes principal owner and professional soccer player Demba Ba. “The number is already iconic in San Diego, now it will stand for the passion and pride of our region.”

Hmm. Might it also be, as 10 News sports director Ben Higgins points out, a reference to San Diego’s beloved baseball hero Tony Gwynn, whose player number was 19?

Whether the team’s founders were also giving a nod to “Anchorman” lore is as yet (and may remain) unconfirmed. But that didn’t stop people from losing their minds over the connection on Twitter.

Check out the discussion.

Other than the “Anchorman” connection, what are people saying about the name choice?

What do you think of the name? Send us a tweet to @sdutideas and we may add it to this page.

For more information about 1904 FC, head over to 1904fc.com.

Or, check out some of these links for more coverage of the NASL and its new San Diego team here below.

San Diego's NASL soccer team unveils name

Q & A with NASL owner Demba Ba

NASL: A closer look

Email: abby.hamblin@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @abbyhamblin