Miguel Almirón Returns to Atlanta United: A Homecoming Celebration 
The 2025 MLS SuperDraft took place on December 20, showcasing the future stars of Major League Soccer. With teams eager to bolster their rosters, the event featured thrilling selections, including the first overall pick by the expansion team San Diego FC.
Key Takeaways
- First Overall Pick: San Diego FC selected Manu Duah from UC Santa Barbara.
- Notable Selections: Sporting Kansas City picked center-back Jansen Miller at No. 8.
- Local Talent: A total of 13 players with New England connections were drafted.
San Diego FC Makes History
San Diego FC, the new expansion team, made headlines by selecting Manu Duah as the first overall pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft. Duah, a standout midfielder from UC Santa Barbara, is not only the first player drafted by the club but also the first No. 1 overall selection from his university in SuperDraft history. His selection marks a significant milestone for the franchise as they look to build a competitive team.
Sporting Kansas City’s Strategic Moves
Sporting Kansas City made a strategic move by trading their No. 4 overall pick to the Colorado Rapids, acquiring the eighth pick along with $162,500 in general allocation money. With this pick, they selected Jansen Miller, a 6-foot-2 center-back from Indiana University, who was recognized as the top defender in the draft. Miller expressed his excitement about joining a club with a rich history in MLS and looks forward to learning from the team’s management.
Notable Draft Picks
The draft saw several other notable selections, including:
- Max Floriani – Defender, Saint Louis University, selected by San Jose Earthquakes at No. 2.
- Dean Boltz – Forward, Wisconsin Badgers, selected by Chicago Fire at No. 3.
- Alex Harris – Forward, Cornell University, selected by Colorado Rapids at No. 4.
- Mikah Thomas – Defender, UConn, selected by Charlotte FC at No. 9.
New England Connections
The 2025 MLS SuperDraft highlighted the depth of talent from New England, with 13 players being selected. UConn’s Mikah Thomas was among the top picks, showcasing the region’s strong presence in college soccer. This trend reflects the growing talent pool in New England and the increasing recognition of its players on a national level.
Conclusion
The 2025 MLS SuperDraft was a pivotal event for teams looking to enhance their rosters with fresh talent. With exciting picks and strategic trades, the draft set the stage for an exhilarating season ahead in Major League Soccer. As teams prepare for the upcoming season, the impact of these selections will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
Sources
- Portland Timbers Set to Participate in MLS SuperDraft 2025 on Friday, December 20 – OurSports Central, OurSports Central.
- San Diego FC drafts Manu Duah No. 1 overall in MLS SuperDraft | High School | santamariatimes.com, Santa Maria Times.
- Sporting Kansas City selects Indiana Hoosiers center-back in MLS SuperDraft 2025, AOL.com.
- MLS SuperDraft 2025: 13 New England players selected – New England Soccer Journal, New England Soccer Journal.
