San Diego FC Makes Historic First Pick in MLS SuperDraft
In a momentous occasion for the newly established San Diego FC, the club made its first-ever selection in the MLS SuperDraft on Friday, December 20, 2024. The team chose UC Santa Barbara midfielder Manu Duah as the No. 1 overall pick, marking a significant milestone in the expansion club’s history. This decision not only sets the tone for the club’s future but also highlights the potential of a promising young talent.
Manu Duah, originally from Ghana, made a notable impact during his single season with the Gauchos. His defensive prowess was instrumental in helping UC Santa Barbara achieve six clean sheets over the course of 14 matches. While Duah recorded one assist, his primary role was as a defensive midfielder, a position where he truly excelled.
San Diego FC’s coach, Mikey Varas, expressed his excitement about the acquisition of Duah during a virtual press conference. “With Manu, it was very, very obvious that this is a player with tremendous potential. A player who’s already good but can improve a lot,” Varas stated. “He can be a player who dominates MLS in a few years.” Such high praise from the coach underscores the club’s confidence in Duah’s abilities and future contributions to the team.
The MLS SuperDraft, which spanned three rounds and included 90 picks, was a bustling event on Friday afternoon. Each team had the opportunity to bolster their rosters with fresh talent from the collegiate ranks.
Top Picks of the 2025 MLS SuperDraft
- San Diego FC: Selected UC Santa Barbara midfielder Manu Duah as the No. 1 overall pick.
- San Jose Earthquakes: With the second overall pick, the Earthquakes chose Saint Louis defender Max Floriani. This selection comes after a challenging season where they finished last in the league standings in 2024.
- Chicago Fire: Opted for Wisconsin forward Dean Boltz at No. 3, adding a promising offensive player to their lineup.
- Colorado Rapids: Made a strategic move by trading up to No. 4 with Sporting Kansas City to select Cornell forward Alex Harris, aiming to strengthen their attacking options.
- San Jose Earthquakes: In another strategic move, the Earthquakes traded with the New England Revolution to secure the No. 5 pick, selecting San Francisco defender Reid Roberts to bolster their defense.
The draft was not just about the top picks; it was a day filled with strategic maneuvers and trades as teams sought to address their specific needs. The Colorado Rapids’ decision to trade up for Alex Harris and the Earthquakes’ multiple picks highlight the dynamic nature of the draft process.
For San Diego FC, the selection of Manu Duah is more than just a draft pick; it’s a statement of intent. As an expansion team, building a competitive squad from the ground up is crucial, and Duah’s selection is a step in the right direction. His defensive skills and potential for growth make him a valuable asset for the club as they prepare to make their mark in the MLS.
As the dust settles on the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these new additions perform in the upcoming season. For now, San Diego FC and Manu Duah are at the forefront of this exciting new chapter in MLS history.
Originally Written by: Field Level Media
