San Diego FC is all set and ready to play big in the games for the next MLS season as the team seeks to come up with a promising push in their inaugural season. They come in as the new club to watch in the 2025 season as part of the MLS’ expansion program, and they are keen to come up with some impressive strides heading into the campaign.

The newly-formed club made a number of strategic moves during the Expansion Draft, retaining three key players from the selections: Orlando City midfielder Heine Gikling Bruseth, Charlotte FC defender Hamady Diop, and Colorado Rapids fullback/midfielder Jasper Löffelsend.

With its roster taking shape, San Diego FC is preparing for its debut season in MLS. The club will open its campaign with a highly anticipated match against St. Louis City SC on March 1, 2025. As the team continues to build its roster and develop its identity, fans can expect an exciting new chapter for soccer in San Diego.

Promising Trades by San Diego

Alongside the draft selections, San Diego FC made two notable trades to optimize its future flexibility. The club traded midfielder Hosei Kijima to D.C. United in exchange for $400,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) for the 2025 season. The move provides the club with additional financial resources to strengthen its roster further in the future.

SDFC also traded forward Thiago Andrade to Toronto FC. In return, the club received Toronto’s natural first-round pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, as well as up to $250,000 in conditional GAM based on performance metrics. Additionally, SDFC retained a percentage of any future transfer fee if Andrade is sold abroad by Toronto FC.

Landing Significant Talents

Bruseth, a 20-year-old Norwegian midfielder, represents a promising addition to SDFC’s midfield. The young talent began his professional career at the age of 17 with Kristiansund BK in his native Norway, where he made a solid impression with two goals and two assists. In August 2024, he was acquired by Orlando City SC, where he gained further exposure in the league.

Known for his technical ability and vision, Bruseth brings creativity and energy to San Diego’s midfield as the club looks to build a competitive side in its inaugural season.

SDFC also secured the services of 22-year-old Senegalese defender Hamady Diop, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft. Although Diop has made just three MLS appearances with Charlotte FC, he has shown promise as a versatile defender.

The young center-back is currently on loan with FK Čukarički, a Serbian club, where he is expected to gain valuable experience through January 2025. His strong defensive abilities and physical presence will add depth and stability to San Diego's backline as the club seeks to solidify its defensive unit.

In a move that adds much-needed experience to the squad, San Diego FC retained German midfielder/fullback Jasper Löffelsend. At 27 years old, Löffelsend has made 69 MLS appearances over his career, playing for both Real Salt Lake and the Colorado Rapids.

His most recent season with the Rapids saw him play a key role in helping the team reach the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs as the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference. Löffelsend’s versatility and solid two-way play will provide valuable leadership and depth to the SDFC roster, particularly in the midfield and defensive areas.